Could the Commanders be a top destination for a former All-Pro safety who is still available in free agency, considering how aggressively they have been enhancing the roster this offseason?
One of the Best Places to Land for Free Agent Safety Is Commanders Simmons, Justin
The fact that former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is currently a free agent led CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin to explore some of the best landing sites left for the seasoned safety going into the 2025 NFL season.
Well, Benjamin thinks Simmons could actually use the Commanders.
Benjamin stated, “Earlier this offseason, Simmons mentioned the rising NFC East contenders as another team he would be interested in joining, and it makes sense: The Commanders could use more experience at safety, with free agent addition Will Harris currently tabbed as the club’s top starter alongside second-year player Quan Martin. Additionally, head coach Dan Quinn is well-regarded for his defensive prowess. Why not give it a shot if Washington is considering a title run?
Benjamin also listed the Philadelphia Eagles as an NFC East team, which would actually make some sense given that the reigning Super Bowl winners cut ties with C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason.
“This is the fit that makes all the sense in the world,” Benjamin continued, “which is why Simmons has publicly and consistently mentioned the Eagles as a desired destination. After losing ball hawk C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans, Philadelphia needed reliable insurance at safety. Simmons also had some of his best football seasons under Vic Fangio, who guided the Eagles’ defense to a resounding Super Bowl victory in 2024. It’s hard to think of a more perfect short-term union.
In addition to their free agency acquisitions, the Commanders gained a wealth of veteran talent this offseason by trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel. This felt like an effort by Peters and the rest of the team to bolster the squad so they could compete with the Eagles in 2025.
Simmons, a seasoned athlete with All-Pro honors on his background, has the potential to tilt the balance in the Commanders’ favor or against them.
In 2025, how might Justin Simmons fit into Commander’s Secondary?
One may argue that Washington should try Simmons out in free agency given the Commanders’ safety room’s present composition.
With players like Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler vying for playing time in the Washington secondary, Quan Martin and Will Harris are on track to start the season full-time.
With only 62 total tackles and no game-changing performances in 2024, Simmons is coming off a poor season by his high standards; yet, his extensive resume shows steady production for the great bulk of his career.
Simmons may be nearing the end of his career, but his experience alone might help steady a Washington secondary that improved significantly in 2023 and 2024.
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