Steelers in Talks With 2× Pro Bowl Safety to Strengthen Back End

As the Pittsburgh Steelers work to replenish their secondary depth, ESPN’s recent free agency tracker highlights veteran safety, the former Denver Broncos All‑Pro—as an ideal fit to fill the void left by Minkah Fitzpatrick.

He now with the Falcons, brings both experience (4× second‐team All‑Pro, 2× Pro Bowler) and leadership to a position the Steelers simply can’t overlook.

Justin Simmons, 31, spent his first eight seasons in Denver before signing a one‑year, $7.5 million deal with Atlanta in 2024. There, he made 62 tackles, deflected seven passes, and intercepted two in 16 starts. Despite those numbers representing his lowest since 2017, his instincts and communication skills—hallmarks of a top-tier safety—remain highly respected.

Simmons himself recently emphasized his desire to join a contender. As he told local media, “a contender is No. 1 on the list right now” when considering his next. That makes Pittsburgh an attractive landing spot—tied to Super Bowl aspirations with Aaron Rodgers under center and a bolstered defense featuring T.J. Watt, Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay.

The Steelers don’t currently have a clearly defined No. 2 safety. DeShon Elliott anchors one safety spot, and Juan Thornhill brings veteran depth — yet neither fills the production gap left behind by Fitzpatrick. Simmons, with his coverage range and veteran presence, could be the missing piece.

Adding Simmons would not just deepen the roster; it would send a signal that Pittsburgh is serious about protecting Rodgers and making a defensive statement. The Steelers have long excelled by blending homegrown talent with savvy free agent additions — and Simmons fits both narratives: a seasoned pro who won’t break the bank and brings immediate impact.

Cleveland’s Jaylen Warren recently said about off-field leaders: “We need someone who gets us to buy in.” Simmons could be that voice—a cerebral presence aligned with Pittsburgh’s blue‑collar culture but fluent in NFL IQ, situational awareness, and on-field leadership.

Nothing is official yet. But with ESPN pointing to Simmons as a top safety still on the market, the Steelers appear positioned to at least explore bringing him in. Whether that ends up in a signing ahead of training camp remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: filling the post‑Fitzpatrick void will likely require someone who understands how to control the game from the backend—and Justin Simmons fits that mold.

If the Steelers do sign Simmons, it could complete their defensive makeover and strengthen their push to become true contenders in 2025.