Simmons visited the Saints on Wednesday.
A key stat emerged on social media during Saints practice on Wednesday, accompanying his visit. Justin Simmons and Tyrann Mathieu are tied for first and third in interceptions over the past five seasons. Mathieu had the perfect reaction to the nugget.
Tyrann Mathieu excited for potential duo with Justin Simmons
Oh!! 🔥 https://t.co/GYCMvGrjv0
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) August 7, 2024
Clearly, Mathieu understands the value that Simmons could bring. Jordan Howden played good football as a rookie in 2023, but upgrading that spot to Simmons as the starter creates notable depth at safety.
You feel a lot better about the position from an upside standpoint when you have two former Pro Bowlers starting on the back end. That would give more comfort and stability for the cornerback room as well.
How big is the need at safety for New Orleans?
Both the Saints and Simmons understand that the league is a business. The deal must makes sense for both sides, and Dennis Allen noted that the interest in Simmons is not necessarily due to a need to add “anybody” at safety.
Rather, New Orleans realizes the special opportunity in adding a safety like Simmons at this point of the offseason. Normally, a top-flight safety would have been signed early on in free agency. That was not the case for Simmons.
Dennis Allen had a lot of good things to say about free agent S Justin Simmons. Said his visit is more about Simmons himself than the Saints deciding they need to go out and find just anybody at safety. Said they’ve been in contact for months about the possibility.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 7, 2024
We will see if a deal comes to fruition for the Saints and Simmons. It would be a smart move for both sides to come together. A current Saints star understands that.
