Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of the AtlantaFalcons.com editorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have one of the NFL's best safeties on their roster in Jessie Bates III. They may also have a third player in as many years starting opposite Bates when the 2025 season begins.
Justin Simmons, who was signed during the 2024 preseason by Atlanta, is set to become a free agent. It's possible the two parties work to keep Simmons with the Falcons moving forward, but right now there are no clear indications one way or another.
If Simmons is not in the Falcons' future plans, there are a few paths the team can take.
Atlanta's coaches may have seen enough from DeMarcco Hellams in training camp, and in his recovery from injury, to feel comfortable about elevating him to a starting role. That would be somewhat of a gamble, as the former seventh-round pick has only started four games, but Hellams has been impressive when healthy. If Hellams is viewed as a starting option, that would change the priority level for the position in the draft or free agency.
Should the Falcons want to keep Hellams as a quality depth option or push him in a competition, they could add a proven starter in free agency or use an early draft pick on one. Either approach is feasible, but free agency makes sense given the relative affordability of safeties on the open market and the limited number of draft picks Atlanta has.
Tori McElhaney published her list of five free agent safeties who could be of interest to the Falcons, and there's one player on that list who really resonated with me: Jordan Fuller.
Fuller signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers last offseason, but an early hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve and he started just nine games. Available once again, Fuller could be facing another short-term deal to prove he can make an impact.
Raheem Morris, who coached Fuller from 2021-23 when he was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator, knows exactly the kind of impact he can make. Fuller was a full-time starter for the Rams during their Super Bowl season in 2021, and he had the best year of his career while starting all 17 games for Morris in 2023.
In four years with Los Angeles, Fuller started 48 games, including two in the postseason; he recorded 279 tackles, 17 pass defenses, 7 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles.
Fuller is comfortable in zone coverage and works best as the deep safety. Bates' flexibility provides a big advantage for Atlanta, because he could accommodate a player like Fuller as easily as he could the addition of a traditional box safety. During the 2023 season, Fuller performed very well in coverage. According to Next Gen Stats, he forced a tight-window throw on 26.2% of the passes into his territory, the second-highest rate in the league among safeties.
The main question with Fuller is health, which is not something to take lightly. He missed significant time in 2022 and again in 2024 because of hamstring injuries. However, Fuller also just turned 27 years old and hamstring issues can be managed if not remedied altogether. If the Falcons feel comfortable with his health, this is a low-risk type of move.
From a rotation standpoint, Bates would likely operate in a similar fashion with Fuller as he did with Simmons. Fuller's centerfielder skills would give Bates the chance to play forward in a joker or robber role. When Hellams entered the game, he would become the extra box player or big nickel and Bates could transition back to the deep safety position.
This is all assuming the Falcons are in the market for another starting-caliber safety. If they are, I think Fuller should get consideration. He will likely be within the team's budget, he has valuable starting experience and he has familiarity with Morris' defense.
In an offseason where Atlanta will need to allocate its resources carefully, getting all three of those in one player is not a bad deal at all.
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 catches the ball during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 reacts during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Matt Ryan is inducted into the Ring of Honor during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores the game winning touchdown in over time during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
A view of the Halo Board during the Week 4 Game win against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 celebrates with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 after scoring a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Matthew Judon #15 scores on a pick six during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 scores a touchdown during the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defense celebrates during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
General view of the halo board before the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 warms up before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons run out before the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons make a big stop during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
View of the field painted in the throwback diamond style end zones before the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 warms up before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
The defense attempts to block the kick during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offense during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle before the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the team during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 celebrates after a big play during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 rushes the quarterback during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney #1 scores touchdown during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
A general view of the field during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 warms up before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 warms up before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 gives the pregame speech before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro #98 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 run out during team intros before the Week 16 game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 scores on a pick six during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 leads the huddle before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
An overhead view during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Clark Phillips III #22, Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63, Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 and Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary #76 run out of the tunnel before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Drone scene setters before the Week 13 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. On Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The National Anthem before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 makes a tackle during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Falcons running out of the tunnel before the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 scores a touchdown during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 runs with the ball during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marine halftime performance during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marine halftime performance during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Marines during the national anthem before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 makes a one-handed catch during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
The Halo Board before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 sacks the quarterback during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 scores a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Smith-Williams #50 during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 celebrates scoring a touchdown during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs with the ball during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #0 runs out of the tunnel before the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
