It just got brutal for the New Orleans Saints after their Week 1 loss, and now they lost safety Julian Blackmon due to a torn Labrum injury. According to the breaking news, the Saints will be forced to move on without Blackmon after suffering an injury in the matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It could require a season-ending injury, and if that happens, then the Saints should be in the market for a safety to find someone who can complement Justin Reid. This is where Justin Simmons can come into the equation, as he’s still available in the free agent market, so it should be any day that he might sign with the Saints.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Boston College product is still out of a job, but the only complication is that he wants to sign with a contender. Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, recording 666 total tackles, 71 pass deflections, 32 interceptions and three fumble recoveries, so it’s no secret he wants to put his abilities to the test before he gets older. He probably doesn’t want to waste his talent on a team like the Saints that is in rebuild mode, but the team could offer a deal that he can’t turn down. These three contenders could intervene and snag the safety right before Week 2.
Breaking: Saints May Sign Top Free Agent Justin Simmons After Latest Julian Blackmon Injury – 3 Other Suitors
Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
It was going well for the Baltimore Ravens in their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but the defensive secondary completely collapsed. Despite bringing in two cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, it wasn’t enough to stop a competitive offense like the Bills, whom they lost to in last year’s postseason divisional round. Let’s say the Ravens still have a solid secondary that can help them win most of the matchups, but what they need is to win the huge moments. With Safety Ar’Darius Washington still nursing an injury, the Ravens haven’t gotten a replacement that could be a solid fit behind 2025 draft pick Malaki Starks.
Simmons, wanting to play for a contender, could fit his role in this Ravens secondary. He won’t be the same athlete he once was a few years ago, but he might turn this secondary around, pairing with Kyle Hamilton, who is coming off his best season in his career last year.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys showed out in their secondary field of play against the Super Bowl champions in Week 1. However, this doesn’t mean the team can’t continue upgrading their safety unit. After extending Markquese Bell before Donovan Wilson, it’s clear that Wilson might be playing out his current deal. Simmons might be open to joining the Cowboys at some point if they appear to be contenders.
Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of the postseason, the Chiefs don’t look the same after their loss against the Chargers, but it doesn’t mean they won’t be in the playoffs next year. The Chiefs are in dire need of safety depth, losing Deon Bush. Between Jaden Hicks and Bryan Cook, Simmons could find his role even if it’s situational.
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