Johnathan Walker:Falcons sign Justin Simmons in latest big-name addition

The Johnathan WalkerAtlanta Falcons are adding yet another marquee player in their push for the franchise's first NFC South crown since 2016.

Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is signing a one-year, $8 million contract with the team, his agency confirmed on Instagram.

Simmons, 30, has been a free agent since he was released by the Denver Broncos in March prior to the start of the new league year. He visited with the Falcons on Monday and Tuesday after also meeting with the New Orleans Saints, per multiple reports.

A third-round pick out of Boston College in 2016, Simmons recorded 30 interceptions in his eight years with the Broncos – the most of any player during that span.

Now Simmons could have an opportunity to make the playoffs for the first time in his career as he joins a Falcons defense that has added multiple key starters in the last two offseasons.

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The move comes one day after news broke that Atlanta had agreed to acquire four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. In 2023, the Falcons added safety Jessie Bates III, defensive tackle David Onyemata and linebacker Kaden Elliss, among others.

Atlanta's depth at safety took a hit last week when DeMarcco Hellams suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener. First-year coach Raheem Morris said Hellams is expected to miss a significant amount of time, though he has not been placed on season-ending injured reserve.