The Atlanta Falcons were aggressive in the 2025 NFL draft to improve the roster since they didn't have a lot of money to spend in free agency.
They used their first four picks on the defensive side of the ball. Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr., Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman Jr. were the selections.
Watts and Bowman Jr. are joining Jessie Bates and Jordan Fuller in the safety room. Those additions basically closed the chapter on Justin Simmons in Atlanta. He's been on the free agent market since March and hasn't landed a job yet.
Simmons has made it known for a while now that the Philadelphia Eagles were high on his list, and that sentiment hasn't changed. Brian Baldinger was on NFL Network discussing landing spots for available free agents.
When speaking about Simmons, Baldinger made it known that Simmons still wants to sign with the Eagles.
He said, "He wants to come to Philadelphia. He wants to be there. ... Just find him a house in South Jersey. He's gonna be here."
J.K. Dobbins ➡️ Bears?
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 6, 2025
Stephon Gilmore ➡️ Bengals?
Justin Simmons ➡️ Eagles? @BaldyNFL and @jeffrichadiha share their favorite landing spots for the top remaining free agents. 👀 pic.twitter.com/1fn5HehxWq
Justin Simmons Still Wants to Sign With Philadelphia Eagles
Earlier this offseason on the "Talkin Ball" podcast, Simmons said, "Man, having a chance to reunite with Vic, and then also defensive backs [coach] Christian Parker. There's a lot of good things about Philly.... To have an opportunity to go play in Philly, especially reuniting with [those guys], it's high on the list."
It makes sense why Simmons wants to sign with Philadelphia, but it appears they aren't in a rush to sign him. Last season with the Falcons, Simmons had 62 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections.
According to PFF, he had a 59.9 overall grade (113th among 171 graded safeties), 53.8 run defense grade (149th among 171 graded safeties), and a 60.8 coverage grade (85th among 171 graded safeties).
It appears that Reed Blankenship and Andrew Mukuba will be the starting duo at safety for Philadelphia, so who knows if they'll even look Simmons' way.