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