The best remaining free agent, and the only player in the NFL's Top 100 ranking not currently signed to a team, is former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. This is music to the Indianapolis Colts' ears, as they are very much in play for the former All-Pro.
The Colts beating out other contenders for a player like Simmons when they aren't in the Super Bowl tier just yet may seem like wishful thinking, but the latest reports claim that possibility is all too real.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright confirmed that Simmons has over a dozen offers, simultaneously hinting he expects Simmons to sign with an AFC South team this week. Going team by team, it looks like the Colts, next to Julian Blackmon, could be the spot for Simmons.
The Tennessee Titans already signed two new starting safeties in Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, and the Houston Texans seem to be more than set with their combination of Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre. This leaves the Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars as the two remaining suitors, and Indy has more financial flexibility to compensate him well.
He's had over a dozen offers. Lol. Just looking for the right situation.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 5, 2024
Probably signs this week, afc south
Colts could sign Justin Simmons after latest AFC South signing rumors
A two-time Pro Bowler who remains one of the most disrespected players in the league, Simmons has been named a Second Team All-Pro player in four of the last five seasons. With 30 interceptions across eight seasons with Denver, Simmons is one of the best ballhawks in recent NFL history.
When Simmons was not playing, Denver's defense was so bad they surrendered 70 points in a game. When he returned, the Broncos were a fairly respectable unit at the end of the year. That skill alone is needed in Indianapolis, who ranked 28th in points allowed last season.
If Anthony Richardson is everything he is supposed to be, the Colts will once again be one of the finer offensive teams in the AFC. What is truly holding this team back is the defensive talent, or lack of same. Simmons won't fix all of it, but no move they make in the next few weeks and months would be as impactful.
Simmons in a Gus Bradley defense would be a perfect fit, as he has the range needed to cover ground and the willingness to lay some thunder as a hitter. The Colts will not be alone in trying to sign him, but it seems like they are one of the leaders in the clubhouse.