As the free agency period unfolds in 2025, safety Justin Simmons, who recently wrapped up a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, is eager to find an ideal situation to continue his NFL career. Coming off a stint with the Falcons, Simmons expressed his desire to join a winning team as he gears up to enter free agency earlier this time around.

In an interview with Kay Adams, Simmons reflected on his previous offseason experience, where he didn’t sign with the Falcons until August 15, right in the middle of training camp. "I want to go to the best situation, and I want to go to a team that’s going to win," Simmons stated emphatically. He acknowledges the mixed bag of experiences during training camp, particularly how it can take a physical toll as players age, but also emphasizes the importance of building rapport with teammates.

Simmons continued, "A lot of the pros is building that rapport, especially when you’re not with the team and you haven’t necessarily played with a lot of those guys. It would’ve benefited me to go a little bit earlier.” He also touched on the presence of promising young talents like DeMarcco Hellams and Richie Grant on the Falcons roster and recognized the team's commitment to nurturing youth over signing veterans like himself.

While some fans may wonder if Simmons could return to the Falcons, his remarks suggest that he is not betting on it. “It was a one-year thing,” he noted, adding that the organization may prefer to invest in younger players. "Sometimes things just don’t work out and you go in different directions,” he said. However, he left the door open just a crack, commenting, “I don’t know if the door’s necessarily closed.

During his time with Atlanta in 2024, Simmons started in 16 games and recorded an impressive 62 total tackles, along with seven passes defended and two interceptions, solidifying his status as a seasoned player in the league. Currently, he stands at No. 4 on the active interceptions list, with a total of 32 career picks.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Simmons as he evaluates his options and aims to secure a spot on a team poised for success in the upcoming season. Could he be the missing piece for a contender? Only time will tell!