“Is It Wise for the Eagles to Add Safety Justin Simmons? There Are Some Reservations.”
In Philadelphia, there’s a straightforward sentiment echoing among football enthusiasts: “Sure, let’s go after Justin Simmons” following the release of the seasoned safety due to salary cap constraints last Thursday.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, who find themselves in need of safety reinforcements, Simmons emerges as a logical choice, especially considering his tenure under Vic Fangio during the latter’s four-year tenure with the Denver Broncos, three of which he served as the defensive coordinator and one as the head coach.
The pressing question now is whether the Eagles can orchestrate the acquisition. Equally important is their desire to make it happen.
Approaching his 31st birthday in November, Simmons maintains an impressive level of performance, evident in his interception of nine passes over the past two seasons, bringing his career total to 30 interceptions over eight years. Just last year, he clinched his second Pro Bowl selection and secured his fourth second-team All-Pro nod.
Moreover, Simmons boasts remarkable durability, having previously strung together three consecutive seasons without missing a defensive snap.
Transitioning to the Eagles, Fangio, now serving as the defensive coordinator, didn’t receive universal acclaim from members of the Miami Dolphins defense during his tenure there last year. However, Simmons expressed admiration for Fangio, relishing their time together in Denver.
In an interview with the Denver Post following Fangio’s departure as the Broncos’ head coach in early January 2022, Simmons lauded Fangio’s dedication to the game and credited him with imparting valuable insights. Simmons’ praise suggests he could be a valuable asset for the Eagles.
But before moving forward, the Eagles must reconcile Simmons’ potential acquisition with their free-agent strategy, which typically involves signing young players entering their prime. Additionally, they must consider the financial implications, with Simmons’ anticipated salary hovering around $14 million per year.
While Simmons presents an enticing prospect for the Eagles, the decision ultimately hinges on aligning his acquisition with the team’s long-term vision and financial parameters.
