The Atlanta Falcons went just 7-10 last season but believe they have geared up for a run at the NFL playoffs this season.
They went out and made a big investment in quarterback Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowler to whom they gave a four-year, $180 million contract.
This week, Atlanta traded for star pass rusher Matthew Judon, who had been in a contract stalemate with the New England Patriots, and now they have signed veteran safety Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos, to a one-year contract.
Per Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright, Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and cornerback AJ Terrell had a hand in getting Simmons to Atlanta.
Falcons fans should send a double thank you to Grady Jarrett and AJ Terrell.
Dinner with them went a long way toward today’s signing.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 15, 2024
Simmons was released by the Broncos in March after posting eight passes defended, three interceptions and 70 total tackles (53 solo) in 2023 to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl.
At 30 years old, he should have enough juice left to help Atlanta reach the postseason for the first time since the 2017 campaign, a year after they blew a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl.
Simmons will now team up with Jessie Bates III to form what could be one of the better safety duos in the NFL.
Bates was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2023, his first season with the Falcons, and put up some impressive numbers: 11 passes defended, six interceptions and 132 total tackles (89 solo).
Of course, it will largely be up to Cousins, who is about to turn 36 years old and suffered a torn Achilles last season with the Minnesota Vikings, to enable the Falcons to fly as high as they’re capable of this season.