The Philadelphia Eagles wasted no time making waves in the early stages of free agency, locking in Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff to new contracts while also securing a mega-deal extension for Landon Dickerson. However, their activity doesn’t end there.
With a keen focus on strengthening their secondary, the Eagles have set their sights on acquiring an All-Pro safety.
According to Jesse Palmer of NFL Network, the Eagles appear to be eyeing Justin Simmons as a potential target.
Simmons, a standout safety who previously played under the guidance of Vic Fangio during his tenure as head coach in Denver, is highly regarded as one of the premier players in his position across the league.
Palmer remarked, “Justin Simmons, you could think would be one that the Eagles are targeting. Remember he played for Vic Fangio when he was the head coach in Denver. One of the best safeties out there in football.” He further noted, “We’ll see if the price could be right for the Philadelphia Eagles but that’s a player they are looking for.”
The move to pursue Simmons comes as the Eagles seek to fortify their defensive backfield, especially following the departure of Kevin Byard after just one season with the team. Simmons, known for his exceptional range and disruptive playmaking abilities, has consistently showcased a knack for forcing turnovers, topping the NFL with 30 interceptions since 2016.
Palmer also highlighted the existing connection between Simmons and Fangio, as the two were previously together in Denver from 2019 to 2021. During their time together, Simmons amassed an impressive stat line of 269 total tackles, 14 interceptions, and 36 pass deflections. As a two-time Pro Bowler, Simmons would undoubtedly provide an immediate boost to Philadelphia’s secondary.
With aspirations of making a deep postseason run and potentially clinching a Super Bowl berth, the Eagles currently boast one of the league’s strongest rosters. They currently hold the seventh-best odds in the NFL to claim the ultimate prize, sitting at +1700. As they continue to make strategic moves in free agency, the addition of a talent like Simmons could further solidify their status as contenders.
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