The Detroit Lions made another signing at cornerback, bringing back Kindle Vildor on a 1-year contract. But the Lions have yet to make an addition at safety this offseason. Interestingly, one of the top safeties over the last few years, Justin Simmons, is still available.
USA Today’s Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon included Simmons on a list of potential fits still unsigned in NFL free agency that Detroit could target.
“If he’s still looking to sign before the draft—and he might not be—Detroit makes a lot of sense as a landing spot,” Risdon wrote. “Like the departed C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Simmons can effectively play any safety spot. He’s at his best in a split-safety role in coverage, although his man-coverage skills have declined some with age.
“He’s the only player on this list who would definitively start in Detroit, taking over for Kerby Joseph or Ifeatu Melifonwu in the starting lineup. He also is likely to cost quite a bit of money.”
Simmons has been selected for the second-team All-Pro four times in his career, including each of the last three seasons. In 2023, he made second-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl at the same time for the first time. During 2023, Simmons posted 70 combined tackles, including 2 tackles for loss. He also had 8 pass defenses, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
Risdon connected Simmons to the Lions about a week after Detroit head coach Dan Campbell expressed a desire to acquire additional safety depth.
“We’re still going to look for safety help,” Campbell said at the NFL’s annual meeting last week,
via The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett . “That’s not over, either. We know we need some, there again, to bring in some competition in that room. So our eyes are there.”Denver Broncos
The released Simmons on March 7 to save $14.5 million against the salary cap How Justin Simmons Could Fit With the Lions.
It’s not difficult to see why Simmons is an attractive potential target for Detroit.
The Lions signed cornerback
Carlton Davis Amik Robertson and to shore up a secondary that was 27th in passing yards allowed last season. Detroit also finished 29th in net yards yielded per pass attempt. Adding Simmons to the mix would only bolster the back end of the secondary.
The Lions lost veteran safety
C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason. But as a 4-time second-team All-Pro, Simmons could be a significant potential upgrade. Simmons was tied
In 2022, for the NFL lead with 6 interceptions. He’s had 19 interceptions over the past four seasons. Simmons has also had at least 69 combined tackles every year since 2018. Former third-round pick
Ifeatu Melifonwu played well at the end of 2023. But if Detroit signed Simmons, Melifonwu would likely return to a reserve role with Kerby Joseph starting at the other safety spot. Other Potential Safety Targets
There’s really only one problem with the Lions potentially targeting Simmons. But it’s a big problem — money.
Simmons held an average annual salary of more than $15 million on his previous contract in Denver.
Spotrac projected Simmons to be worth $22.2 million on a 2-year deal this offseason. With $26.9 million in available funds, the Lions have the seventh-highest amount of salary cap space in the NFL as of April 4.
according to Spotrac . So Simmons could be accommodated within the cap, but it would use up a large portion of the team's remaining cap space.Additionally, the Lions might be confident with Melifonwu and Joseph as their starters. If that's the case, Detroit could seek safety depth with a less expensive addition.
If the Lions are seeking veteran experience in any safety addition, they could consider targeting
Quandre Diggs Micah Hyde or Hyde has been recognized as second-team All-Pro twice in his career, most recently in 2021.. Diggs has received three Pro Bowl nominations. Bringing him on would also be somewhat of a homecoming. The Lions selected Diggs in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft
. He spent the first four and a half seasons of his career in Detroit. The draft is obviously another potential option for the Lions to add a safety. Whether a veteran or rookie, Detroit will almost certainly need to sign someone for safety depth. Apart from Joseph and Melifonwu,the only safety currently under contract for next season is
Brandon Joseph
USA Today’s Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon included safety Justin Simmons on a list of potential free agents who could still fit with the Detroit Lions. the only safety the Lions have currently under contract for next season is Brandon Joseph.
