Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Falcons Sign Justin Simmons to Start at Safety

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Thu, Aug 15 2024 9:13 PM UTC
Justin Simmons Headshot

The Falcons on Thursday agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with former Broncos S Justin Simmons. That should install Simmons as the starter next to Jessie Bates III.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

The Falcons started courting Simmons shortly after losing S DeMarcco Hellams to injury. HC Raheem Morris said earlier this week that Hellams would miss "significant time." This move emphasizes how significant.

Simmons' fantasy production fell off last season, when he finished outside the top 40 DBs in total points and points per game.

That followed five straight top-24 seasons, though, including a pair of top-12 seasons. Simmons ranked 11th in fantasy points per game in 2022, when he missed five games.

The main culprit was a dip in tackle production, which could easily rebound.

Position Could Be a Little Different

Simmons and Bates are both more free safeties than box players, so we're likely looking at more of a split-role situation than one playing free and one playing strong.

Each guy presents a wide range of production potential. Simmons and Bates have both delivered top-7 scoring ... and fallen into DB4 range.

As long as you don't overpay for either, both can be IDP options.

Team D Undoubtedly Better

The Falcons have undeniably improved their team defense, with the additions this week of Simmons and Edge Matthew Judon. The latter, especially, addresses a longtime area of weakness.

Atlanta could become a solid matchup play on D, though it remains an unexciting unit until it proves otherwise.

Dynasty Impact

A mere one-year deal for the 30-year-old (31 on Nov. 19) says you shouldn't bet on him long term. But DB isn't an area to make many long-term bets in dynasty anyway.

That makes Simmons a solid 2024 option for dynasty lineups.

Other Winners & Losers

Richie Grant -- a 2021 second-round pick -- seemed to face opportunity after falling out of favor last year. But this move says the Falcons don't want him in a full-time role. Grant looks like merely a third safety and is droppable in dynasty.

Rankings Movement

Simmons hits our DB rankings outside of draft range for most IDP leagues, but he has a chance to creep up through the preseason.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

3:31pm UTC 4/21/25

Draft capital is important for incoming fantasy rookies, but context is often lost on the draft class. See how the top skill positions match up in the top 100 prospects

Read More »
Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

12:28pm UTC 4/19/25

QB Jaxson Dart has the arm strength and rushing upside to be a fantasy difference-maker. Is he a beacon of light in a dim QB class? Or are we reaching for a mediocre talent in a QB-starved league?

Read More »
Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

8:41pm UTC 4/17/25

Cam Ward looks like the No. 1 pick -- but is that enough to make him a high-value superflex asset? Should you target or pass on Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in your dynasty rookie draft? Let's talk through the top prospects PLUS three sleepers.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »