Even after leaving football, Justin Simmons is still making headlines. He was a strong and reliable player for the Denver Broncos, and now he has shared something interesting about where he could have played if he had not retired. 

According to a recent interview with Jordan Schultz, who also shared the update on Twitter, the 4-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons revealed that if he had played in the most recent NFL season, his likely destination would have been the Carolina Panthers. 

“#Broncos 4x All-Pro S Justin Simmons, who recently retired, tells me that if he played last season, it likely would’ve been with the #Panthers,” Jordan Schultz posted on X. 

Simmons spent the majority of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, becoming one of the most reliable safeties in the league and earning multiple All-Pro honors.

The connection to Carolina was not random. Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero previously worked with Simmons during their time in Denver, creating familiarity between the two sides. 

Under Ejiro Evero’s Broncos defensive system in 2022, Simmons played one of the best stretches of his career. He tied for the NFL lead with a career-high six interceptions in just 12 games. Carolina was also interested because of his proven performance and experience. 

Over his nine-year NFL career, Simmons finished with 32 interceptions, 71 pass deflections, and 666 total tackles, showing how consistent and reliable he was as a safety.

Even though the move to Carolina never happened, Simmons’ final NFL chapter also showed how his career came to an end after years of success in Denver. 

What Did Justin Simmons’ Final NFL Year Look Like?

Justin Simmons played the final season of his NFL career in 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons. It was the first time he played for another team after spending eight years with the Denver Broncos.

In his last season, Simmons played an important role in Atlanta’s defense. He started all 16 games and finished with 62 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions.

At his peak, Simmons was one of the top safeties in the NFL. From 2019 to 2023, he became known for making big plays and stopping opposing offenses. In 2020, he also finished with 96 tackles and five interceptions, showing how important he was to the Broncos’ defense.

As time went on, injuries and the physical pressure of football started affecting him more.

A groin injury right before the 2023 season slowed him down, and after playing in the league for nearly nine years, the constant physical demands likely played a big part in his retirement decision. 

However, for his final act, he chose to return home. He signed a special one-day contract with the Denver Broncos to officially retire with the franchise where his legacy began. His NFL journey ended before another move could happen.

Do you think Simmons would have been a good fit in Carolina? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote