Giants Favored to Sign Justin Simmons in Free Agency
The New York Giants are currently favored to sign former Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons, a move that would significantly strengthen their secondary. Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Broncos earlier this year and is expected to join a new team before the 2024 season starts.
According to BetOnline, the Giants have the best odds at +400 to sign the 30-year-old Simmons. To secure his signature, the Giants may need to offer more attractive terms than the Philadelphia Eagles (+600), Buffalo Bills (+800), San Francisco 49ers (+900), and Cleveland Browns (+900). While several teams are in contention, the Giants are currently in the best position as training camp approaches.
The Giants could use considerable defensive help, having ranked 27th in total defense last year, allowing 361.7 yards per game. They also struggled in scoring defense, giving up 23.9 points per game, ranking 26th in the league. Although they added outside linebacker Brian Burns in the offseason to bolster their pass rush, their secondary remains a concern.
The Giants drafted safety Tyler Nubin from Minnesota, who has the potential to become a solid defender. However, at 6-1 and 199 pounds, Nubin might need a year or more to adjust to the complexities of playing safety in the NFL.
Simmons’ Potential Impact on the Giants
Justin Simmons has been outstanding during his tenure with the Broncos from 2016 to 2023. He became a regular starter in his second season and was a key player by 2018, recording 97 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 4 passes defensed. In 2019, Simmons earned second-team All-Pro honors with 93 tackles, 4 interceptions, 15 passes defensed, and 2 tackles for loss.
His best season came in 2022, with 6 interceptions for 51 yards, 7 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 69 tackles, and 2 tackles for loss. Last year, he had 70 tackles, 3 interceptions, 8 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery, earning his second Pro Bowl selection and another second-team All-Pro nod. Despite some missed plays, Simmons remains one of the league’s top ball hawks.
The Broncos’ decision to release Simmons was primarily a cost-saving measure. He would have counted $18.25 million against the salary cap, but his release saves Denver $14.5 million, leaving $3.75 million in dead money.
Signing Simmons would provide the Giants with an experienced and highly effective safety, potentially transforming their defensive capabilities for the upcoming season.
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