Philadelphia, PA – April 17, 2025 – The Philadelphia Eagles, reigning Super Bowl LIX champions, are close to signing free agent safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million deal with $2 million in incentives, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The 31-year-old former Atlanta Falcons standout, a two-time All-Pro, will bolster Philly’s secondary as an iron shield for Jalen Hurts.
Simmons delivered 62 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass defenses in 2024, earning a PFF grade of 70.2 over 16 games. His nine straight seasons with multiple interceptions showcase his elite ball-hawking ability, ideal for Vic Fangio’s defense. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s uneven play and Reed Blankenship’s deep-coverage issues, Simmons fills a critical gap in the Eagles’ pass defense, which ranked 12th in EPA last season.
“Justin’s a game-changer,” said GM Howie Roseman. “His instincts will anchor our backend, freeing Jalen to dominate.”
Simmons will team with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to counter top NFC receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk. His zone coverage and turnover-forcing skills mesh with Fangio’s aggressive scheme, potentially amplifying the Eagles’ 65-sack defense. The $22.4 million cap space makes this signing a steal for a player of Simmons’ caliber.
Though his age sparks minor concerns, Simmons’ 2024 performance proves he’s still a top-tier safety. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger called it “a perfect fit—Simmons’ veteran savvy will elevate Philly’s secondary.”
For Simmons, joining a championship roster offers a chance to chase another ring after a lackluster Falcons tenure. For Eagles fans, his impending arrival signals a relentless push to repeat as champions. As the NFL Draft nears, Simmons’ signing could solidify Philly’s defense as the league’s most formidable, ensuring Hurts has the backbone to keep soaring.
