Justin Simmons should be the Raiders to target in free agency at safety
Justin Simmons is the jewel of the 2021 free-agent class at the safety position and for good reason. The former third-round pick has been in the league for five years, has been a starter for four, and recently made his first Pro Bowl after putting up career highs in nearly every statistical category.
Simmons had 96 tackles, five interceptions, nine passes defended, and added three tackles for loss for good measure. He is no flash in the pan either as he has had at least two interceptions every year of his career and has 12 in his last three seasons alone.
The former Boston College Eagle has primarily played at free safety for the Broncos, but can also play the strong safety position, so he brings plenty of versatility at a position where defenses need it most. He has good size at 6’2″, 205lbs and while he does not have elite speed, he makes up for it with his physicality and great instincts for the game.
The Raiders have not had a playmaker like Simmons at free safety since Charles Woodson moonlighted there for a few seasons and he would be a tremendous addition to a rebuilding defense. Many project that he will return to Denver to the tune of about $16 million per year which may be too rich for the Raiders but he would be worth every penny if they made the move.