Pittsburgh, PA – April 16, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to reshape their secondary as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, with general manager Omar Khan eyeing a bold free-agency splash. After a wild-card loss in 2024, the team seeks to fortify its defense to end an eight-year playoff win drought.
The Steelers’ safety position, anchored by Minkah Fitzpatrick, faces depth concerns with Damontae Kazee’s free agency and DeShon Elliott’s contract expiring post-2025. Khan, known for aggressive moves like trading for D.K. Metcalf, is reportedly targeting a high-profile addition to pair with Fitzpatrick.
Sources indicate Khan has set his sights on former Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro. Simmons, 31, remains unsigned after a 2024 season with 62 tackles and two interceptions in 16 games.
Simmons is the perfect fit to elevate our defense, a team source told ESPN.
Simmons’ $8 million one-year deal with Atlanta expired, and his market has been quiet despite a career-best 30 interceptions since 2016. Pittsburgh’s $2 million cap space requires restructuring—potentially T.J. Watt’s deal—but Khan sees Simmons as a game-changer.
Khan’s all-in on a Fitzpatrick-Simmons duo, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
The Steelers’ 3-4 nickel scheme, which used two safeties in 60% of 2024 snaps, demands versatility. Simmons’ 63.4 PFF coverage grade in 2024, though his lowest, still outshines Kazee’s, and his leadership aligns with Tomlin’s culture.
He’d thrive next to Minkah, analyst Matt Miller said.
Pittsburgh faces competition—Buffalo and Philadelphia are linked to Simmons—but Khan’s track record suggests a deal is feasible. A one-year, $10 million contract could fit, with cap relief from cutting Cordarrelle Patterson.
Simmons wants a contender; Pittsburgh’s it, Simmons said on Up & Adams.
Landing Simmons would signal Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl ambitions, pairing two elite ballhawks to stifle AFC North passers like Joe Burrow. As Khan navigates quarterback woes, this move could redefine the Steelers’ defense for 2025.
