The New Orleans Saints are set to host a visit from free agent safety Justin Simmons on Wednesday, as reported by Nick Underhill of NOF. As a four-time second-team All-Pro, Simmons stands as one of the most highly sought-after free agents currently available in the NFL. This potential signing could have significant implications for both the Saints and Simmons himself. Let’s explore the arguments for and against this move.
Why It Makes Sense
From the Saints’ perspective, adding Justin Simmons would be a substantial boost to their defensive unit. Currently, New Orleans’ safety position is relatively weak, with Tyrann Mathieu being the only established veteran in the group. Jordan Howden is expected to start at safety, but despite showing some promise during his rookie season, he has not yet proven himself as a reliable starter. Simmons’ addition would not only fortify the safety position but also enhance the overall strength of the defensive backfield, making it one of the most formidable in the league.
Simmons, who will turn 31 in November, would fit well into the Saints’ defensive lineup. His presence would complement the aging defense, bringing both experience and high-level play. Simmons has expressed a strong drive to prove himself, particularly given the skepticism that often accompanies players as they age. “I think once you hit a certain age, a lot of people start writing you off,” Simmons said in an interview with Denver7Sports. “And it just motivates me. I think there’s just a new hunger and thirst you get when you go to a new place because you just need to prove yourself all over again.
This determination aligns with the Saints’ current defensive outlook. Head coach Dennis Allen recently emphasized the need for the defense to reassert itself. “I think there’s another gear and another mindset that we have to get to from a defensive standpoint,” Allen noted. “I think when you play good defense, as we have here, I think there sometimes can be a little bit of comfortability with that… And so I think there’s been a renewed sense of the philosophy behind the way that we play defense, and that’s kind of what we’re trying to get back to a little bit.”
Why It Might Not Make Sense
However, there are also considerations that might make this move less straightforward. Despite his impressive resume, Simmons’ fit with the Saints isn’t without potential complications. Signing a player of Simmons’ caliber would require a substantial financial commitment, which might impact the team’s salary cap flexibility and future roster decisions. The Saints would need to balance this investment against their broader team-building strategy and financial constraints.
Additionally, integrating a high-profile player into an established defensive system can sometimes be challenging. While Simmons brings a wealth of experience and talent, adapting to a new team and its defensive schemes can be a significant adjustment. The Saints would need to ensure that Simmons’ style of play meshes well with their current defensive philosophy and that he can quickly adapt to their system.
Moreover, the Saints are currently in a period of transition with their defense, as evidenced by Allen’s comments about the need for a renewed defensive mindset. Adding Simmons could be a double-edged sword if his presence leads to unforeseen disruptions or if his adjustment period impacts the team’s defensive cohesion.
Conclusion
In summary, the potential signing of Justin Simmons by the New Orleans Saints presents a compelling opportunity to bolster their defense. His expertise and motivation could significantly enhance the team’s defensive capabilities, particularly given the current state of their safety position. However, the move also comes with challenges, including financial considerations and the need for a smooth integration into the team’s existing defensive scheme. The decision to bring Simmons on board will ultimately hinge on how well the Saints can balance these factors and leverage his skills to strengthen their defensive unit for the upcoming season.
