Latest news with #JustinSimmons
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former rival reopens thoughts on potentially joining the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency
Long-time Kansas City Chiefs rival and free agent safety Justin Simmons appeared as a guest recently on ESPN WEST PALM (106.3 FM) to share his thoughts on potentially wanting to join Kansas City. "We're being patient, we're being picky on where we want to go next," said Simmons. "Hopefully, the number one thing on the list is with a contender, and we want to have a chance to play with a team that has a chance to win it all." Simmons started 16 games last season with the Atlanta Falcons, collecting two interceptions. He reiterated his respect and dislike for the franchise in the interview. "It breaks every bone in my body to say it, but obviously, if Andy Reid gave the call, and the Hunt family, it would be pretty hard to turn that down. They've obviously been great," said Simmons. "They've been doing it for a long time. Mahomes is one of the best, if not the best, in the league, so it would be hard to turn that away." The former Denver Broncos safety has dominated his battles in the secondary against the Chiefs during the Patrick Mahomes era. He has intercepted Mahomes six times and has 32 in his career. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Justin Simmons reopens thoughts on potentially joining the Chiefs
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
4 intriguing safety options 49ers should consider signing after releasing George Odum
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to start their 2025 training camp at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California, this week, but to end last week, they surprisingly released veteran safety George Odum. Odum, 31, spent three seasons with the 49ers after four with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018-21. With San Francisco, the two-time All-Pro appeared in 40 games and recorded 50 tackles, five passes defensed and an interception. With Talanoa Hufanga and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles leaving in free agency and Malik Mustapha expected to miss the start of the year while recovering from a torn ACL, Odum could've been in line for a bigger role in 2025 had he not had elbow surgery that landed him on NFI and ultimately lead to his release. Now, the 49ers should be looking for another veteran to help out at safety before the season starts, and luckily there are a few options still left on the market. Let's take a look at who San Francisco could sign. Justin Simmons Simmons, 31, played collegiately at Boston College from 2012-15, earning All-ACC honors once, before the Denver Broncos took him in the third round (No. 98 overall) in the 2016 NFL draft. In eight seasons with Denver, Simmons was one of the best safeties in the league, making four All-Pro teams and two Pro Bowls. After he was released last March, he signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons and went on to start in 16 games and finish with 62 tackles (two for a loss), seven passes defensed and two interceptions. Julian Blackmon Blackmon, 26, played his college ball at Utah from 2016-19, earning All-Pac-12 honors once. The Colts took him in the third round (No. 85 overall) in the 2020 NFL draft, and over the last five years, he appeared in 66 games and started 62 while recording 300 tackles (13 for a loss), 21 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, four fumbles recovered, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. Chuck Clark Clark, 30, played for Virginia Tech in college from 2013-16 before the Baltimore Ravens took him in the sixth round (No. 186 overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. While he originally began his professional career as a backup, he eventually took over as the starter in 2019 and held that role through the 2022 season. The Ravens traded Clark to the New York Jets in 2023, but he missed the entire season due to a torn ACL that he suffered in OTAs. He re-signed with New York on a one-year deal last offseason, starting 12 games and recording 69 tackles, two passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovered. Working with former Jets head coach and current 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could make San Francisco the perfect opportunity for him as he returns from a torn pectoral muscle. Tashaun Gipson Gipson, 34, played at Wyoming from 2008-11 before signing with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent. After stints with the Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, he spent most of the last three years with the 49ers. In three seasons with San Francisco, he appeared in 42 games and started 33. Last year, he missed part of the season due to a suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy and when he returned, he only played 10% of the team's defensive snaps (a big drop-off from 95% the year prior). Still, he's a familiar face and could fill a rotational role if article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers' best free-agent options to replace safety George Odum
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Experts say Kansas City Chiefs would be ideal 'landing spot' for these three free agents
The Kansas City Chiefs' roster will evolve over the course of training camp and the preseason, and the experts at Pro Football Network don't seem convinced that the reigning AFC champions are done making moves. In a recent article that predicted the landing spots for each of the NFL's best free agents, PFN identified three veterans who could become key contributors for the Chiefs next season. While Kansas City's front office has been hard at work hammering out deals to keep the Chiefs' biggest stars under contract for the foreseeable future — rather than acquiring new talent — fans shouldn't underestimate general manager Brett Veach's willingness to add free agents during training camp. Take a look at each of the veterans that PFN highlighted as potential fits for Kansas City, with their analysis about each player: WR Gabe Davis "Just one year into his three-year deal, the Jacksonville Jaguars released Gabe Davis after a disappointing 2024 season that ended in a season-ending torn meniscus. A lackluster Jaguars offense didn't do him any favors, but he still finished with a career-low 20 catches for 239 yards. Davis is only 26 years old, so he should have plenty of football left in him, even after his injury. He would be best suited in an offense that allows him to maximize his vertical capabilities. That said, keep an eye on some playoff contenders to consider him on a discounted one-year deal before he signs another contract next offseason." DB Justin Simmons "After eight seasons with the Broncos, Justin Simmons spent 2024 with the Falcons, finishing with 62 tackles and two interceptions in 16 games. It wasn't the All-Pro level of play he's displayed in recent years, but he was still a serviceable starter on the back end. As a four-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, Simmons may want to look for a chance to win a Super Bowl in 2025. Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Buffalo are all perennial Super Bowl contenders, where he could push for a starting job. Though not at the same level, Carolina could give Simmons a good opportunity to start, as well." DB Julian Blackmon "Julian Blackmon turns just 27 years old in August, so he still has plenty left in the tank. He's a versatile defensive back who can cover as a deep safety and defend in the box at a pretty high level. He has seven interceptions between his last two seasons with the Colts. The aforementioned Eagles, Chiefs and Panthers could look at Blackmon on a one-year rental and see if he's capable of becoming a long-term answer for them at safety. Keep an eye on Dallas as a landing spot, as former Colts DC Matt Eberflus is now the defensive coordinator there."
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"No bad blood": Former NFL safety Justin Simmons opens up on Broncos release, admires Sean Payton's leadership and vision
Justin Simmons shares his thoughts on the Broncos and Sean Payton's leadership (Image via AP) Still one of the top NFL free agents on the market, Justin Simmons isn't letting his release from the Denver Broncos define him. The former All-Pro safety, who spent nearly a decade anchoring Denver's defense, is taking the high road—supporting the team's resurgence under head coach Sean Payton. Despite being cut just before the Broncos' bounce-back season, Simmons has only praise for the franchise he once called home. No bitterness toward Sean Payton or Broncos ownership In an interview with the Denver Post, Simmons made it clear there are no lingering hard feelings over the team's decision to move on. 'I mean, I can't speak for Sean (Payton). I have no bad blood with Sean, with anyone in the building. I loved my time there. I will always consider him a friend and a great coach,' Simmons said. He also extended gratitude to the Walton-Penner ownership group, applauding their efforts to guide the Broncos into a new era of stability and competitiveness. 'I loved Sean. I love the Walton-Penner (ownership) group and what they have going on. Business decisions happen. And sometimes there are casualties, where both player and fans wish there wasn't and (there) just is.' Proud of Broncos' revival, ready for what's next Although Simmons' departure was a tough blow to Broncos fans, the veteran insists that the split may have benefitted both sides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Denver finished the 2024 season strong, with signs pointing to a brighter future behind their new leadership and young talent. 'And both sides could be better from it -- and you see they had a successful year. And I'm so happy for them.' As teams finalize rosters ahead of training camp, Simmons remains one of the most respected defensive backs still available. Known for his football IQ, leadership, and reliability in the secondary, he's expected to draw serious interest as injuries and depth needs arise league-wide. Also read: Allison Kuch, wife of NFL's Isaac Rochell, swaps glam for play-doh in relatable glow-up Wherever he lands, Justin Simmons has already shown that leaving a team doesn't mean leaving with bitterness—just perspective, poise, and plenty of support for those still in the fight. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
NBC Sports
10-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Justin Simmons being "more picky" in search for contending team to play for in 2025
Safety Justin Simmons has been named a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler over the course of his nine-year NFL career, but he's never appeared in a playoff game and changing that is the top thing on his mind as he looks for a place to play in 2025. A report in June indicated that the Panthers were interested in the veteran, but that no signing was imminent and it might not come together if Simmons continues to prioritize the chance to get to the postseason. Simmons signed with the the Falcons last year after his eight-year run with the Broncos came to an end and Simmons said that he's taking his time before signing anywhere else because he wants to make sure the team is in position to succeed. 'I think Atlanta I would still pick 10 out of 10 times if I was in the spot last year,' Simmons said, via Sean Keeler of the Denver Post. 'But in terms of where I'm at now, being a little bit more picky where we want to go and where we want to call home next . . . the next two years, a year, whatever it is . . . but a contender is No. 1 on the list right now.' The Broncos ended their own playoff drought without Simmons last year and Simmons said there's no 'bad blood' after he was cut loose for cap reasons, but it doesn't seem likely that a reunion is a likely place for Simmons to end his current employment search.
