Jeremy Fowler reveals Eagles are on ‘shortlist’ to land All-Pro defensive back

The Eagles may not be done yet.

Even after another loaded offseason, Philadelphia continues to be linked to one of the biggest names still floating around free agency — four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. And now, thanks to some inside info shared on 97.5 The Fanatic, the smoke around Simmons possibly landing in midnight green is getting a little thicker.

During a recent appearance on The Fanatic, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler dropped a nugget that should have every Eagles fan paying attention. According to Fowler, the Eagles are firmly on Simmons’ “shortlist” of teams, alongside the Carolina Panthers. No surprise there — both teams run systems heavily influenced by Vic Fangio, who of course, is now calling the shots on defense for the Birds.

Fowler on Justin Simmons potentially joining the Eagles

“Simmons is interesting, because I think coming out of Atlanta, I do think he’s looking for that big scheme,” Fowler said. “That’s why the Eagles are on the shortlist there. It’s Philadelphia, it’s Carolina—has interest in Simmons. Ejiro Evero came from the Vic Fangio school. So that’s where I think you should look for Simmons.”

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This one feels almost too perfect. Simmons flat out said earlier this offseason that he would love to reunite with Fangio. The Eagles just so happen to need some more depth at safety after moving on from C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Sure, second-round rookie Andrew Mukuba could step in and start immediately — and that’s probably still the long-term plan — but you’re telling me Fangio wouldn’t love having a proven veteran like Simmons patrolling the backend in year one of his system? Come on now.

The 30-year-old Simmons is still playing at a high level, too. In 2024 with Atlanta, he racked up 62 tackles, seven pass deflections, two interceptions, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 59.5% completion percentage — his best mark since 2021 back in Denver.

At this point, it’s just a matter of whether or not the Eagles pull the trigger. The money’s there. The fit is obvious. And if they really want to make one more big splash heading into training camp, Justin Simmons might be the perfect way to do it.

Stay tuned, Birds fans.