The Kansas City Chiefs, perennial contenders in the NFL, are poised to make a significant splash in the 2025 free agency market by finalizing a deal to sign veteran safety Justin Simmons, a former Pro Bowl standout and long-time rival from his days with the Denver Broncos. This move, which has been brewing amid speculation, is now gaining traction as the Chiefs look to bolster their secondary following the departure of safety Justin Reid to the New Orleans Saints.
A Proven Veteran for a Contending Team
Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro and one of the NFL’s premier safeties, brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to Kansas City’s defense. With 62 combined tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections in 16 starts for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Simmons proved he remains a high-impact player at age 31. His career total of 30 interceptions since 2016 is the third-most among active safeties, trailing only Harrison Smith and Tyrann Mathieu.
Simmons’ familiarity with the Chiefs, having faced them as a division rival during his eight-year tenure with the Denver Broncos, makes this potential signing even more intriguing. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in ending Denver’s 16-game losing streak against Kansas City, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors with two tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception in a 24–9 victory.
Why the Chiefs Need Simmons
The Chiefs’ safety room is a mix of young talent and veterans, but the loss of Justin Reid, who signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal with the Saints, leaves a gap in leadership and production. Reid started 59 of 61 possible games for Kansas City over three seasons, contributing 23 pass breakups, four sacks, and three interceptions. With Reid gone, the Chiefs are relying on young safeties like Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, and Chamarri Conner, but none bring the proven pedigree of Simmons.
Simmons could serve as a stabilizing force in the secondary, complementing cornerback Trent McDuffie and newly signed veteran Kristian Fulton. His versatility to play both free and strong safety, along with his knack for creating turnovers, aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme. Moreover, Simmons’ experience could mentor younger players like Hicks, who is expected to compete for Reid’s former role.
Simmons’ Mindset: Chasing a Ring
Simmons has been open about his priorities in free agency, emphasizing his desire to join a contender. “We’re being patient, we’re being picky on where we want to go next. Hopefully, the number one thing on the list is with a contender, and we want to have a chance to play with a team that has a chance to win it all,” Simmons told ESPN WEST PALM (106.3 FM).
Despite his history of rivalry with Kansas City, Simmons expressed admiration for the Chiefs’ organization, acknowledging the difficulty of turning down an offer from head coach Andy Reid and the Hunt family. “It breaks every bone in my body to say it, but obviously, if Andy Reid gave the call, and the Hunt family, it would be pretty hard to turn that down. They’ve obviously been great. They’ve been doing it for a long time. Mahomes is one of the best, if not the best, in the league, so it would be hard to turn that away,” Simmons said.
This openness to joining Kansas City, a team he’s long competed against, underscores his focus on winning a Super Bowl—a goal that has eluded him in his nine-year career, during which he has yet to play in a postseason game.
A Strategic Fit for Kansas City
The Chiefs, coming off a Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, are determined to reclaim their spot atop the NFL. With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense and a defense that continues to evolve under Spagnuolo, adding a player of Simmons’ caliber could be the missing piece. The team has already made strategic moves this offseason, including signing offensive lineman Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million extension and adding depth at cornerback with Kristian Fulton. Simmons would further strengthen a secondary tasked with facing high-powered AFC offenses.
While the Chiefs have young talent in the safety room, Simmons’ addition would provide flexibility. He could start alongside Cook or Hicks, or serve as a high-end backup, offering stability if injuries arise. His familiarity with former Broncos coaches like Vic Fangio and Christian Parker, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, has fueled speculation about a potential move to Philly, but the Chiefs’ championship pedigree and immediate need make them a more likely destination.
The Path to a Deal
While no deal has been officially announced, the buzz around Simmons joining the Chiefs is growing. His comments about not closing the door on Kansas City, combined with the team’s need for a veteran safety, suggest negotiations could be in the works. Simmons’ one-year, $8 million deal with the Falcons in 2024 sets a baseline for his market value, though his desire to join a contender might lead to a team-friendly contract.
The Chiefs’ front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, has a history of making bold moves to sustain the team’s dynasty. With $12 million in salary cap space and a roster exemption for the International Pathways Program, Kansas City has the financial flexibility to make this signing happen.
A New Chapter in a Storied Rivalry
For Simmons, signing with the Chiefs would mark a dramatic shift after years of battling them in the AFC West. His interception of Mahomes in 2024 as a Falcon and his standout performance against Kansas City in 2023 highlight his ability to disrupt the Chiefs’ offense. Now, he could join forces with Mahomes, Reid, and the Hunt family in their quest for another Super Bowl.
As training camp progresses at Missouri Western State University, all eyes will be on whether the Chiefs can finalize this blockbuster deal. If Simmons dons a Chiefs uniform, it could signal the start of a new era for Kansas City’s defense—and a chance for Simmons to finally chase that elusive championship.