The Washington Commanders defense proved to be an Achilles heel of sorts in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which has led to general manager Adam Peters taking to free agencytto bolster the defensive personnel by adding names like Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, and Jonathan Jones this offseason.
Given how aggressive the Commanders have been improving the roster this offseason, could they be a top landing spot for a former All-Pro safety who is still available in free agency?
Commanders Listed as a Top Landing Spot for Free Agent Safety Justin Simmons
Former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is still a free agent at the moment, which prompted Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports to dive into some of the top landing spots remaining for the veteran safety entering the 2025 NFL season.
Well, Benjamin sees the Commanders being a realistic option for Simmons.
Benjamin wrote, “Simmons identified the ascending NFC East contenders as another team he’d be interested in joining earlier this offseason, and it makes sense: Not only is head coach Dan Quinn widely respected for his defensive prowess, but the Commanders could use added experience at safety, with free agent addition Will Harris currently tabbed as the club’s top starter alongside second-year man Quan Martin. If Washington is eyeing a title run, why not consider it?”
The other NFC East team mentioned as an option by Benjamin was the Philadelphia Eagles, which would actually make some sense considering the defending Super Bowl champions parted ways with C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason.
Benjamin added, “This is the fit that makes all the sense in the world, hence Simmons publicly and repeatedly identifying the Eagles as a preferred destination. Philly could use proven insurance at safety after dealing ball hawk C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans, and Simmons played some of his finest football under Vic Fangio, who led the Eagles’ defense to a dominant Super Bowl title in 2024. It’s difficult to imagine a more ideal short-term marriage.”
The Commanders have added a plethora of veteran talent this offseason by trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel in addition to their free agent acquisitions, which felt like an attempt by Peters and the rest of the organization to improve the roster to contend with the Eagles in 2025.
A veteran player like Simmons with All-Pro accolades on his resume could be a player who could swing the pendulum either positively or negatively for the Commanders.
How Could Justin Simmons Factor Into Commanders Secondary in 2025?
When you look at the current makeup of the Commanders’ safety room, an argument could be made for Washington to kick the tires on Simmons in free agency.
Quan Martin and Will Harris have the inside track to a full-time starting role entering the year with players like Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves also looking for playing time in the Washington secondary.
Simmons is coming off a down year by his lofty standards with just 62 total tackles and a lack of game-changing plays in 2024, but his lengthy resume showcases consistent production over the vast majority of his career.
Even if Simmons is entering the twilight of his career, his veteran presence alone could help stabilize a Washington secondary that showed vast improvement from 2023 to 2024.
