Panthers Eye Veteran Safety Amid Ongoing Roster Upgrades

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly still exploring options to add talent to their safety unit, with free agent Justin Simmons emerging as a potential target. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently mentioned on Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic, that Carolina is among the teams showing interest in the two-time Pro Bowl safety, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles.

"That's why the Eagles are on the shortlist there,” said Fowler. “It's Philadelphia, it's Carolina, that has interest in Simmons. Ejiro Evero came from the Vic Fangio school. So that's where I think you should look for Simmons."

Simmons, who spent 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons, is known for his playmaking ability, including an NFL-best six interceptions in 2022 under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, now with the Panthers. "Simmons is interesting, because I think coming out of Atlanta, I do think he's looking for that big scheme,”noted Fowler.

Simmons’ familiarity with Evero’s Vic Fangio-influenced defensive scheme makes Carolina a logical landing spot. Though Simmons is nearing 32, he started all 16 games for Atlanta last season and posted 62 tackles and two interceptions.

Despite signing Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million deal earlier this offseason, the Panthers’ safety depth remains thin. Outside Moehrig, the roster includes a mix of young and unproven talent such as Lathan Ransom, Nick Scott, and several undrafted rookies.

The Panthers have already shown interest in other veteran safeties, including Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams. With training camp approaching, Carolina may make another move to solidify its secondary and bring veteran leadership to a young defensive group.