Free-agent safety Justin Simmons confirms desire to play for Eagles

If Justin Simmons could handpick his next destination, he’d be playing for the Eagles in 2025.

On a recent appearance during the Up & Adams Show, Simmons said Philadelphia is “high on the list” of potential landing spots due to his prior connections with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Christian Parker.

“It really does. As honest as I can be, a lot of it too, going back to your question earlier about Atlanta, there was a lot of new, right? There was a new system, there’s a new way to do it,” Simmons said.

“Going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you’re getting out of me and I know exactly what I’m getting out of them. Because I’ve been in the system. I still have a ways to go to mastering it but there’s some things and nuances that I know that Vic likes, that I know that Christian Parker likes. I think I could really help in that area. 

“Obviously, them moving on from C.J. (Gardner-Johnson) and what he’s poured into that city there is big shoes to fill. But I love what they have going on with (Reed) Blankenship and the rest of the supporting cast there. So I don’t know. It’s interesting. I’m excited to see what happens.”

Justin Simmons…. to Philly?!!

Fangio. Let's make it happen. #FlyEaglesFly @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/fPk98sCro0

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) April 8, 2025

After trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston last month, the Eagles have an opening at safety across from Reed Blankenship. Simmons, 31, spent eight seasons with Denver before signing with Atlanta last summer, including three seasons under Fangio when he served as head coach.

The former third-round pick thrived in Fangio’s system, recording 14 interceptions and 36 pass breakups while being named second-team All-Pro twice. The Eagles were linked to Simmons last year, but his asking price was reportedly too high, and the team pivoted to Gardner-Johnson.

Philadelphia will likely wait until after the draft before committing to Simmons. GM Howie Roseman has focused on getting younger this offseason — if he fails to land a top safety prospect, Simmons would be an adequate backup plan.

Justin Simmons intercepts Mahomes in the end zone!

📺: #KCvsATL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cSNbVDGTzt

— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2024

 Mandatory Credit: Getty Images