The Atlanta Falcons have had a busy offseason where they’ve said goodbye to several players. Grady Jarrett was released and joined the Chicago Bears. Starting center Drew Dalman wasn’t far behind, signing a massive free agent contract to join him in Chicago. Lorenzo Carter and Eddie Goldman were also players to find new homes and Kirk Cousins may be the next out the door as the Falcons wait for a trade partner.
But while there have been plenty of departures, there are some cases where a reunion could happen. One player joined the Falcons one year ago and his experience with the current staff has him keeping the door open to come back to Atlanta for the start of next season.
Justin Simmons Leaves the Door Open for Return to Falcons
Speaking on FanDuel’s "Up & Adams" show on Tuesday, current Falcons free agent Justin Simmons said he would be open to returning to Atlanta next season. Simmons cited the development of the Falcons’ younger players, such as Benny Sapp III and DeMarcco Hellams, as reasons why he hasn’t re-signed with the team but feels like it’s a temporary situation.
“I just think…it was a one year thing,” Simmons told host Kay Adams. “They kind of like their younger guys, too. And so sometimes things don’t work out and you go in different directions. But I don’t know if the door is necessarily closed, but we’ll see.”
Justin Simmons isn't closing the door on a Falcons return, just yet...👀@heykayadams | @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/py5z7iPwSK
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
Simmons signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Falcons last August and immediately slid into the starting lineup. He played in 16 games and recorded 62 total tackles with a pair of interceptions and seven pass defenses. But his Pro Football Focus grade dropped from 67.9 in his final season with the Denver Broncos to 59.9 with the Falcons.
Despite the decline in performance, Simmons enjoyed his time working under Raheem Morris and expressed excitement over the development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
"At the end of the day, I think highly of Ra and Terry [Fontenot] and Arthur [Blank], and I think the organization is top notch. I do think they’r going to be great. I think Michael Penix [Jr.] is the real deal. Going up against him in practice and having the chance to compete against him. Talked a little bit to him about, like, what he’s seeing, how he’s making these throws, things like that, still trying to get myself better and he’s asking questions."Justin Simmons
Simmons also noted that the chance to play next to Jessie Bates III was something that was appealing in his first season but there doesn’t appear to be an imminent return. With Bates slotted to line up with free agent pickup Jordan Fuller, the Falcons seem to be interested in moving on. But it takes just a phone call for a deal to get going and Simmons definitely is willing to keep an ear out if the opportunity arrives.