Star Free-Agent Safety Justin Simmons Reveals Interest in Joining Bengals

Cincinnati had rough safety play last season.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have a star free-agent safety that wants to suit up for them. Justin Simmons appeared on the Up & Adams show this week and noted his desire to play for a team in the playoff mix like Cincinnati.

The nine-year veteran has played in 134 games with 32 interceptions as a Bronco and Falcon.

"A team that's going to give themselves a chance to go to the playoffs and go win," Simmons said to Kay Adams about where he wants to land. "As much as I'll always be a Denver Bronco, I know the eight years that I was there were rough and not having a playoff appearance, especially coming off that Super Bowl and choosing Atlanta, thinking there was a shot there in the division. 

"Baker [Mayfield] and Tampa Bay been doing really well in that division for a while, and so going to Atlanta, thinking there was a chance there to make something special happen. Teams like Buffalo, Philly, Cincinnati, like teams like that, that have always been in the mix. And obviously, Philly just winning it last year. It'd be special."

Simmons tallied six interceptions in 2022 to lead the NFL and has been durable entering his age-32 season. He suited up for 16 games last season and has missed more than two games in a season just once in the past seven campaigns. His production dropped off a bit in his one Falcons season, but Simmons could still be strong insurance on the back end after 2024 regression.

Pro Football Focus projects him to land a one-year, $6 million contract.