3. Chiefs Sign Safety Justin Simmons
One of Kansas City's biggest free agents this offseason is safety Justin Reid. Reid was the Chiefs’ most reliable safety in 2024, and if he moves on, his absence will leave a major void in their secondary.
Reid's versatility is one of his strongest assets. He thrives playing near the line of scrimmage but can also slide into the slot or drop deep as a free safety when needed.
Despite never earning a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod, he’s still in line for a sizable payday—likely much higher than the $10.5 million per year he made on his last contract in Kansas City. That could put him out of the Chiefs' price range.
If Reid departs, Kansas City suddenly looks paper-thin at safety. 2024 fourth-rounder Jaden Hicks will be returning from injury after showing promise as a rookie, but he's still largely unproven.
Then there’s Bryan Cook, who started alongside Reid last season but struggled mightily. PFF ranked him 69th out of 98 eligible safeties. Not nice.
That means the Chiefs will likely be bargain hunting at safety in free agency, and Justin Simmons could be the perfect fit.
Simmons signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons last season but is coming off one of the worst years of his career, which could drop his price tag even further.
However, Simmons was a Pro Bowler in 2023, and if the Chiefs can land him on a short-term, team-friendly deal, it could be one of the steals of free agency.
General manager Brett Veach should play the waiting game—let Simmons' market cool off like it did last year, then swoop in with a below-market offer and the allure of competing for a Super Bowl.