4 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Sign Before NFL Draft
4. Justin Simmons, S
The Chiefs' secondary took a hit this offseason when they traded star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. If they're looking to fill a void while hurting a divisional rival in the process, management must target veteran safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons has been one of the NFL's top defensive backs ever since the Denver Broncos drafted him 98th overall in 2016. He's game has only improved with each passing campaign, resulting in two Pro Bowl nods and four All-Pro nominations since the start of the 2019 season. That's a résumé that puts most available defenders to shame.
Justin Simmons has a 2 INT day.pic.twitter.com/DYaJ1jB9VR
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 4, 2022
Even though Simmons' 63.4 coverage grade in 2023 was his second-lowest mark, it doesn't mean he isn't an effective defender. He still found ways to get involved outside of stopping the pass, proven by his 77.6 run defense and 71.3 pass-rush grades. He's also an accurate tackler, meaning that even if he can't break up a pass, chances are that his man isn't getting very far.
Considering how important Sneed was to Kansas City's defensive success, it's clear that the Chiefs need someone like Simmons to fill his void. Stealing away a fan favorite from the Broncos is only a bonus.
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