The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked followers by buying and selling All-Pro security Minkah Fitzpatrick in a daring offseason maneuver. But Mike Tomlin is not losing any time in search of his alternative, and one main title has already emerged: veteran security Justin Simmons.
The catch? He’s not the one coach pursuing the four-time All-Pro.
Justin Simmons Under the Radar of Three Teams
According to NFL Rumors, Simmons is garnering important curiosity from the Steelers, Eagles, and Panthers. The 30-year-old security is among the NFL’s most constant playmakers, with 32 profession interceptions and 7 cross deflections alone final season. He’s a confirmed, resilient performer who instantly strengthens any secondary he’ll be a part of.
Eagles Could Derail Steelers’ Plans
Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni considers Simmons an ideal match, notably after buying and selling away C.J. Gardner-Johnson. With Vic Fangio now main the Eagles’ protection, the identical system that made Simmons a family title in Denver, the match would really feel pure. Tack on the truth that Simmons has expressed lifelong admiration for the Eagles, and this deal turns into ever extra seemingly.
According to BasicallySports, Pittsburgh could have been hoping for a clear shot at Simmons, however the late entry by Philly could ignite a full-fledged bidding conflict. If it comes right down to familiarity with schemes and next-step title aspirations, the Steelers could also be outgunned.
Don’t Count Out the Panthers
While everybody’s ready for the Eagles-Steelers stalemate, the Carolina Panthers have one of the best angle. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero additionally operates a Fangio-type protection, and he is aware of exactly how one can faucet into Simmons’ strengths.
The Panthers already signed rising security Tre’von Moehrig, however combining him with Justin Simmons would speed up the group’s rebuild.
Carolina presents Simmons with one thing that nobody else can present: management standing on a younger, hungry protection. He would not be a part of the puzzle; he’d be the puzzle. And that mentorship function, combined in with expertise in Evero’s scheme, gives the Panthers a respectable probability to signal him.
Why Simmons Still Has Gas within the Tank
Simmons refuses to decelerate. He noticed practically each snap in Atlanta in 2024, registering two interceptions and all the time strong tackling. It’s greater than statistics; he gives expertise and self-discipline—two qualities younger franchises like Carolina covet desperately.
For Pittsburgh, Simmons would supply on the spot stability after Fitzpatrick’s departure. For Philly, he might match proper right into a Super Bowl-bound protection. But in Carolina, he may usher in a brand new lineup.
While the Simmons sweepstakes rage on, the Panthers could also be enjoying the wisest recreation of all: the affected person constructing of a tradition and ready for the right vet to bundle it collectively. For Simmons, there is no such thing as a alternative: Be a cog in a machine in Philly or Pittsburgh or be a basis in Carolina.
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