Jets Could Bolster Defense By 'Splash' Signing Two-Time Pro Bowl Safety

The New York Jets take a lot of pride in their defense, especially their ability to defend the pass. But the team has parted ways with a few safeties this offseason, and it could be in the team's best interests to replace them.

And they could look at one of the best free agents available to be that replacement.

In a recent article by SNY's Connor Hughes, he talks a bit about the state of the Jets this offseason, and he proposes that the team could think about signing veteran safety Justin Simmons to improve their defense even further.

"The Jets can certainly make a splash with $22 million in cap space. That’s more than enough to add a player and keep enough in the cache to cover players signed to replace those who land on the injured reserve," Hughes wrote. "Safety could be a spot, though. Julian Blackmon and Justin Simmons are both available. The Jets love Andre Cisco. Tony Adams is a little bit of a question mark next to him."

Simmons, faded though he is, is a two-time Pro Bowler. That would be the "splash'' move here.

Safeties Ashtyn Davis, Chuck Clark, and Jalen Mills all did not return to the Jets for a number of different reasons. With how solid they all were this past season, it will be an adjustment to play without them.

With the Atlanta Falcons this past season, Simmons finished with 62 total tackles, with 36 of them being solo. He was also able to show his ball-hawk skills by deflecting seven passes and snagging a couple of interceptions.

The Jets are coming off of a season where they finished 5-12, so the team could be looking to sign some players in free agency to help them redeem themselves. And Simmons could be a very intriguing option.