In the eyes of Brian Baldinger, the Philadelphia Eagles are destined to sign one of the NFL’s top remaining veteran free agents.
Why hasn’t two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons signed a contract this offseason? It might be because he’s openly courting GM Howie Roseman and the Eagles, based on Baldinger’s recent comments on NFL Network.
“It’s not just a reunion with Justin Simmons and Vic Fangio,” Baldinger said to a panel of analysts, including insider Ian Rapoport. “He wants to come to Philadelphia. He wants to be there.”
Fangio, of course, was the head coach of the Denver Broncos during Simmons’ dominant 2019 season that saw him rack up four interceptions and 11 pass breakups while allowing a stunning 32.1 passer rating against when targeted. Fangio wore out his welcome in Denver, but not with Simmons, who has been open about his interest in playing for Fangio again in Philadelphia.
Baldinger, a former NFL guard who finished his career with the Eagles, laid it on pretty thick with his commentary on Simmons, who’s entering his age-31 season and was less than stellar as a starter for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Baldinger predicts Simmons will ultimately get his wish and join the Eagles at some point this offseason, whatever it takes.
“You know, they drafted Andrew Mukuba out of Texas which is good,” Baldinger said. “They drafted Sydney Brown (in 2023) to go with Reed Blankenship. There’s players there, but nobody with the numbers, the interceptions… like, really the leadership that he can provide. They lost Darius Slay. They lost some leaders in that secondary. He provides that. He’s another very, very smart guy, understands the game, high football IQ.
“He wants to come to Philly. Just find him a house in South Jersey. He’s going to be there. He’ll be fine.”
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To Baldinger’s point, the Eagles could use another veteran in the secondary. They signed cornerback Adoree Jackson in free agency, but he could have a hard time getting on the field behind ascending young players like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo and 2025 rookie Mac McWilliams.
Just to clarify, the Eagles didn’t lose Slay — or C.J. Gardner-Johnson, for that matter — this offseason. Slay was cut as a salary cap casualty, and CJGJ was traded mainly for financial reasons as well. Both of those moves were team-driven, and Philly’s decision to replenish both cornerback and safety in the 2025 draft was telling. The team’s need for more veterans on defense has been a bit overblown.
Simmons might have been a realistic option for the Eagles five years ago, but in 2025, it’s unclear how much he has left in the tank. He played more of a true center field role for the Falcons last season and really struggled through one of the least productive seasons of his career.
Simmons could still be a late option for Philly, but it would likely have to be another one-year, near veteran minimum type contract, like the one the team gave to Jackson earlier this offseason.
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