The New Orleans Saints could use another veteran safety who could line up alongside Tyrann Mathieu after parting ways with their starter in March. The Saints released Marcus Maye, who started 17 games in their last two seasons. They had a golden opportunity to sign a veteran Pro Bowler.
The New Orleans Saints hosted a two-time Pro Bowl safety last week
The Saints hosted Justin Simmons for a visit last Wednesday in Irvine, California, and even had dinner. He left last Thursday morning without a deal. Despite having plenty of cap space, reporters, including John Sigler of the Saints Wire, suggest that general manager Mickey Loomis didn’t want to pay Simmons his desired amount.
He instead signed with a rival.
Justin Simmons signed with a division rival
The Atlanta Falcons signed Justin Simmons to a 1-year, $8 million contract with $7.5 million guaranteed. Simmons visited with the Falcons earlier this week and had dinner with Raheem Morris, A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates, and Grady Jarrett on Monday. They signed him because their projected starter, DeMarcco Hellams, will miss significant time with an ankle injury.
Who will start at strong safety in 2024 for the New Orleans Saints?
The Saints have two main competitors for the starting strong safety spot. Second-year player Jordan Howden is competing against former first-round pick Johnathan Abram. This competition is close and is down to the wire.
Howden is listed as the starter in their first unofficial depth chart. However, Abram is on his tail and started in their first preseason game. Dennis Allen told reporters that neither one has stood out.
“I haven’t seen anything from any one of those safeties yet where someone has just jumped out at me and said ‘This is my job,'” Allen said Wednesday.
Signing Justin Simmons would have solved their safety issues. Who starts alongside Mathieu?
