Kansas City, MO – May 2, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs fortified their secondary Wednesday, signing former Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $6 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The two-time Pro Bowler, a stalwart in the defensive backfield, joins Kansas City to anchor their defense after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Simmons, 31, delivered 62 tackles, two interceptions, and an 81.9 passer rating allowed in 2024 with the Falcons. His veteran savvy and coverage prowess (6.2 yards per target) make him a seamless fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy scheme, replacing Justin Reid’s departed presence. “Justin’s a game-changer,” coach Andy Reid told reporters, eyeing Simmons to mentor young safeties Bryan Cook and Jaden Hicks.
Chiefs receive: S Justin Simmons on a one-year, $6 million contract ($6 million cap hit in 2025).
Falcons’ role: Simmons, an unrestricted free agent, was not re-signed after his 2024 contract expired.
With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City absorbed Simmons’ $6 million hit, fueled by cuts to Mike Danna, Nikko Remigio, and Joshua Williams. The Chiefs, having drafted Josh Simmons, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Jalen Royals, Jeffrey Bassa, and Brashard Smith, needed a proven safety to bolster a secondary that allowed 4,012 passing yards in 2024. Simmons’ leadership elevates a unit featuring Trent McDuffie and rookie Nohl Williams.
“Justin’s our anchor,” GM Brett Veach said. The Falcons, rebuilding with younger talent, let Simmons walk. With three remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Simmons’ signing, a coup for a contender, sets Chiefs Kingdom ablaze with 2025 Super Bowl hopes, arming Mahomes with a revamped defense to dominate the AFC.
