According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Indianapolis Colts should consider signing veteran safety Justin Simmons as their final move of the offseason. Schatz wrote: “Sign safety Justin Simmons”, identifying the former All-Pro as a potential addition ahead of training camp.
While the Colts recently brought in Camryn Bynum from the Vikings and already have Nick Cross—who posted 146 tackles last season—the team still lacks proven depth at safety. Daniel Scott has yet to appear in a regular-season game after two years, and Hunter Wohler, a seventh-round pick, is a rookie. Simmons, who started for Atlanta in 2024 and was named second-team All-Pro in 2023, could fill that gap. Schatz added that his presence would allow defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to implement three-safety sets.
However, the move may not be necessary anymore. Indianapolis appears to have solidified its secondary earlier this offseason. Bynum signed a major multi-year deal, and Cross, still just 23, looks more comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage and had something of a breakout year.
That tandem seems to be locked in as the starting duo at safety.
Last season, Simmons started all 16 games for the Falcons, registering 62 tackles (36 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 7 passes defensed, and 2 interceptions. Despite that production, Pro Football Focus graded him just +59.9—ranking him 113th out of 171 qualifying safeties.
Previously a star with the Denver Broncos, Simmons, now 31, was named a second-team All-Pro four times and earned two Pro Bowl nods. Still, it’s fair to question whether his best years are behind him.
While the Colts could certainly benefit from veteran depth—especially considering Rodney Thomas II has regressed since his strong rookie season and Scott has missed back-to-back years with injuries—Simmons might not be the ideal fit. As the article notes, “Given his age and veteran status, I’m just not sure that’s Simmons,” especially since special teams contributions are typically expected from backup safeties—something Simmons may not be suited for at this stage in his career.
