Main Photo: Kirby Lee Imagn Images

Report: Panthers Pursuing Top Free Agent Defensive Back

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers spent the offseason addressing their defense, but that might not stop them from adding Justin Simmons. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Boston College product established himself as one of the game’s premier safeties, making two Pro Bowls and earning Second-Team All-Pro honors on four separate occasions during his eight years in Denver.

He spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons, and while he never captured his peak Broncos form, he remained a solid presence in the secondary. Starting and appearing in 16 games, the defensive back ended the campaign with two interceptions, 62 tackles, seven passes defended, and a 59.9 PFF grade, the 68th-best mark out of 98 eligible players.

Currently a free agent, Panthers beat reporter Sheena Quick reported the team reached out to Justin Simmons. While Quick reports that “nothing is imminent,” it shows Carolina is still looking to upgrade a defense that ranked at or near the bottom of every major statistic last year.

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a Las Vegas Raiders pass during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Report: Panthers Interested In Free Agent Justin Simmons

Head coach Dave Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan inherited a mess when they took over the Carolina Panthers last year and knew they couldn’t fix the entire roster in one offseason. With that in mind, they prioritized fixing the offense at the expense of the defense. This strategy worked, as the offensive line became one of the best in the league and 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young came alive in the back half of the season.

Now, it’s time for them to fix the defense. The team already spent big on free agents Tre’Von Moehrig and Tershawn Wharton while extending cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. They continued to build the defense by double-dipping on pass rushers in the NFL Draft with second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round pick Princely Umanmielen. While nobody will confuse this unit with the 1985 Chicago Bears, the Panthers should have a respectable defense in 2025, and Justin Simmons could be another reliable body in the secondary.

While the Panthers aren’t quite ready to compete for a Super Bowl, they could push for a playoff spot in a wide-open NFC South. It won’t be easy, but this team could surprise with their revamped defense as long as Bryce Young continues to develop.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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