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Justin Simmons wants to play for a playoff contender in 2025. Could the Commanders make sense as a potential landing spot?

Former Atlanta Falcons Safety Justin Simmons has announced his retirement from the NFL.

“Four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons announced his retirement after nine NFL seasons.” Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account.

“Former Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons is retiring after nine seasons in the NFL, he announced on Wednesday. Simmons, 32, did not play last season but started 16 games for the Falcons in 2024.” Matt Urben wrote in a Falcons Wire article.

Justin Simmons spent the majority of his career playing for the Denver Broncos. Simmons spent his first eight seasons with the Broncos, who selected him in the third round out of Boston College in 2016.

Justin Simmons Playing Career

Simmons played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 in which he recorded 36 solo tackles and 2 interceptions. Over the course of his career, he has 478 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 32 career interceptions.

“Simmons had 32 interceptions during his career, second only to the New England Patriots‘ Kevin Byard since 2016. He was selected as a second-team All-Pro four times during his career.” An ESPN article says. “The Broncos released Simmons in 2024 in a salary cap-related move, and he later signed with the Atlanta Falcons, starting 16 games and finishing with two interceptions that season. He did not play in (2025).”

Though his time with the Atlanta Falcons was short lived, there’s no denying that Simmons made a positive impact on the field. Justin Simmons is a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler.

“Among the many accomplishments of Simmons’ career was intercepting Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes an NFL-record six times. Simmons faced Mahomes twice a year while he was in Denver and made the most of it.” Matt Urben wrote.

The Atlanta Falcons posted a tribute post congratulating Simmons on his retirement.

“Congrats to @jsimms1119 on his retirement!” The X post reads.

Simmons says ‘I Will Always Be a Bronco’

“(Justin Simmons) was a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year with the Broncos as one of the most active players in the Denver community. He also was a three-time captain and was often the public face of the locker room, in good times and bad.” An ESPN article reads.

Justin Simmons made it abundantly clear that the city of Denver and the Denver Broncos organization have a special place in his heart. Simmons earned most of his accolades playing for the Broncos franchise.

“Denver literally shaped me into the man that I am. To the best fans in the world and Broncos Country, thank you so much for all your support for both me and my family,” Simmons said in an Instagram post. “There is so much that excites me when I look at the next chapter. What I’ve done in my playing career will always be held near and dear and I’m stepping into something that is new and fresh.”

“Being a Denver Bronco was more than just a team, it was my heart, my home, and my story. I want to be remembered as someone who gave his all and tried his best. I will always be a Denver Bronco.”