The Green Bay Packers may not be finished making moves in free agency, particularly when it comes to addressing their safety position.
Despite securing Xavier McKinney, the top free-agent safety, with a lucrative four-year, $68 million contract, the Packers are still in search of another starter following the departures of Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens. While the Packers could opt to address this need in the upcoming draft, there are intriguing options available in free agency.
One such option is Justin Simmons. Despite being released by the Denver Broncos due to salary cap constraints, Simmons remains a highly regarded player with four All-Pro selections to his name.
In a recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, the Packers were identified as a potential landing spot for Simmons, with Kenyon citing the team’s need for an upgrade in the secondary.
“Simmons may attract a high-dollar contract," the analyst wrote. "But if that offer does not arrive, the Green Bay Packers would be a compelling option, even after the addition of Xavier McKinney.”
Pairing Simmons with McKinney would provide the Packers with a formidable safety tandem, capable of elevating the team’s defensive performance alongside standout cornerback Jaire Alexander. Simmons’ versatility allows him to excel as a single-high safety or in the box, providing valuable support across the secondary.
A key area of improvement for the Packers is generating turnovers, as they managed just seven interceptions last season, the second-lowest total in the NFL. Simmons’ track record suggests he could significantly bolster this aspect of the defense, as he has recorded at least three interceptions in each of the past six seasons, including a remarkable five interceptions in 2020, five in 2021 and six in 2022.
Additionally, Simmons’ knack for defending passes was evident last season, as he tallied eight pass breakups to go along with his three interceptions.
With plenty of talent still available in free agency, the Packers have an opportunity to address one of their primary needs by adding a seasoned veteran like Simmons. The combination of Simmons and McKinney would undoubtedly provide Green Bay with an exceptional safety duo, capable of making a significant impact on the field.
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