Chiefs Nearing Deal for 4-Time All-Pro Safety as Mahomes’ Iron Shield

Kansas City, MO – April 17, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of a game-changing move, closing in on a one-year, $8 million deal with $2 million in incentives for star free agent safety Justin Simmons, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The 31-year-old former Denver Broncos standout, a two-time All-Pro, is poised to fortify the Chiefs’ secondary as an iron shield for Patrick Mahomes after a bruising 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles.

Simmons racked up 62 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections in 2024 with the Falcons, earning a PFF grade of 70.2 over 16 games. His nine straight seasons with multiple picks scream elite ball-hawking, perfect for Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy defense. With Justin Reid’s departure to the Saints and Bryan Cook’s unproven deep reads, Simmons plugs a glaring hole in KC’s pass defense, which ranked 15th in EPA last season (NFL.com).

“Justin’s a difference-maker,” GM Brett Veach said. “His smarts will lock down our backend, letting Pat cook.”

“Simmons to Chiefs? Defense just leveled up!”

Simmons joins Trent McDuffie and Kristian Fulton to counter AFC beasts like Ja’Marr Chase and Stefon Diggs. His zone coverage mastery and knack for forcing turnovers fit Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme, potentially juicing a 39-sack defense. With $11.7 million in cap space (Spotrac), this deal’s a steal for a safety of Simmons’ pedigree.

“Mahomes gets a shield? Super Bowl vibes!”

Age raises slight whispers, but Simmons’ 2024 tape—snagging picks off Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins—proves he’s still a top dog. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger dubbed it “a dream fit—Simmons’ instincts will make KC’s secondary lethal.”

For Simmons, landing with a contender offers a shot at his first ring after a 6-11 Falcons stint. For Chiefs Kingdom, his arrival screams all-in for 2025.

“Simmons in red? Chiefs ain’t playing!”

As the NFL Draft looms, Simmons could solidify KC’s defense as a juggernaut, ensuring Mahomes has the steel to chase another Lombardi Trophy.