The Justin Simmons-to-Detroit dreams are now officially over. Every Lions fan’s favorite free agent safety is off the market.
Simmons, who has spent his entire 8-year career playing safety in Denver, has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. It’s a one-year deal worth $8 million for Simmons, a second-team All-Pro in four of the last five seasons with the Broncos.
Simmons was the object of affection for nearly every NFL team that needed safety help–which is a lengthy list. The Lions were never credibly linked to Simmons beyond speculation of interest due to the team’s unproven depth at the position. That had led to clamoring for other free agent safeties, including longtime Lions starter Quandre Diggs, who went to the Titans recently.
However, with Brian Branch moving to a full-time safety role in his second season, the Lions effectively solved the problem from within. Detroit has Branch, Kerby Joseph, Brandon Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu at safety, as well as special teams standout CJ Moore.
It’s the second day in a row the Falcons made a move on a player who was a popular target for Lions fans. On Wednesday, Atlanta traded for Patriots pass rusher–and Detroit native–Matthew Judon.