The Cincinnati Bengals need assistance at safety as Jessie Bates enters free agency after a year without the player.
The recently released Justin Simmons is a name that sticks out as a possible possibility for the Bengals in a crowded safety market.
Simmons played for the Denver Broncos for eight seasons, making the second team All-Pro four times, and being selected to the Pro Bowl twice (in 2020 and 2023). He tied C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Riq Woollen, and Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2022 for the NFL record six interceptions.
The previous season, Simmons’ 70 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, forcing two turnovers, and one fumble recovery won him Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro recognition.
The Broncos were able to save $14.5 million in cap space by releasing him.
Simmons, who is thirty years old, is perhaps a more cost-effective choice than other free agency safety like Green Bay Packers’ Darnell Savage, twenty-six, or New York Giants’ Xavier McKinney, twenty-four.
Jordan Battle, who will begin his second professional season, and former first-round pick Dax Hill, who will begin his third season in 2024, would both benefit greatly from his mentoring.
According to Over the Cap, the Bengals have $48,551,440 in cap space when they hit free agency. Even if it’s necessary to eventually extend Ja’Marr Chase, the team’s top receiver, and add fellow receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term contract rather than have him play on