FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons made national headlines twice in 24 hours last week with news breaking that the organization had traded for pass rusher Matthew Judon and reportedly signed Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons. Both moves are now official as Simmons has signed his contract, the organization announced Sunday.
In a corresponding move the Falcons released wide receiver James Washington.
The Simmons news was originally reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport last Thursday. The deal is reported to be a one-year deal valued at $8 million with $7.5 fully guaranteed.
The report came on the same day the Falcons officially agreed to terms with the New England Patriots to acquire Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.
The move to sign Simmons has been at the forefront of national conversations since the Rapoport reported Simmons was visiting the Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday and Tuesday.
It was further reported in the days after that Simmons' visit went well, and the safety had dinner with Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett and cornerback A.J. Terrell. This was reported by KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson.
Simmons joins the Falcons as one of the top free agents still on the market this preseason. Since joining the league as a third-round pick in 2016, the veteran safety has spent each of the last eight seasons with the Denver Broncos. During those eight seasons, Simmons was selected to two Pro Bowls, most recently after the 2023 season. Falcons' safety Jessie Bates III was also selected to the Pro Bowl last year.
Related content: How Justin Simmons fits with Jessie Bates III, Falcons secondary
Speaking of Bates, Simmons brings with him a wealth of experience that complements the Falcons safety well. Simmons has never gone a year in the league without at least two interceptions. In fact, he led the league in interceptions in 2022 with six total. He has 30 total interceptions in his career, which are the most by any player in the NFL since Simmons entered the league.
The move to sign Simmons also comes after the Falcons lost second-year safety DeMarcco Hellams to an ankle injury in their first preseason game against Miami. Hellams was competing with Richie Grant for a starting spot opposite Bates throughout the early days of training camp. The ankle injury, though, will keep Hellams out for a "significant period of time," according to head coach Raheem Morris.
Simmons joins Bates, Richie Grant, Hellams and Micah Abernathy in the Falcons' safety room.
