“Man, I love it in Atlanta. I think things are trending in the right direction.” What appeared to be a match made in heaven for two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons after his 8-year relationship with the Broncos came to an end, it seems like he has a change of opinion now. After his time with the Falcons ended up being a one-and-done season, Simmons is slowly opening up on what led to an early divorce. Hitting unrestricted free agency for the second consecutive time in his 9-year NFL career. Simmons blames the Falcons for the situation he has found himself in.

Popping up on Up & Adams, Justin Simmons didn’t sugarcoat anyone reminiscing about his Falcons tenure. “Like there was a lot of new, right? There’s a new system. There’s a new way to do it,” Simmons said on his thoughts about playing in Atlanta. See, someone who had spent his first eight years in Denver needed time to settle in a new system. You cannot just expect a guy to come in and deliver from the get-go in his new surroundings. However, the Falcons’ expectations from the 4-time Second Team All-Pro were way too harsh. 

Their general manager, Terry Fontenot, acknowledged that the acquisition of Simmons didn’t bear the fruits he expected. He cited the Falcons’ poor 8-9 record and seventh consecutive postseason drought as a plausible reason to lament Simmons as a failure. But Simmons, for one, did what he could in a Falcons secondary that lacked a passing and rushing presence. He allowed just 278 yards with 12.6 yards per reception in the coverage. Simmons also showed his veteran knowledge of the game by securing two interceptions and seven pass deflections.

Now, there could be an argument that Simmons’ 5 TDs allowed don’t match his Pro Bowl reputation. Still, Simmons carved out a valuable partnership with Jessie Bates III last season that could have been explored more. But I guess the Falcons thought it would better not to renew his $7.5M fully guaranteed contract. Instead, they have allowed him to walk free in search of greener pastures. As for Simmons, he seems to have made up his mind on where he wants to see himself next.

Justin Simmons only wants to be an Eagle

If someone handed Simmons a genie that granted him three wishes. He would have probably asked for Vin Fangio, Christian Parker, and the Eagles. Ever since he left the Falcons, Simmons has been so outspoken about his desire to play for the Eagles that even if someone else comes up with an offer, Simmons would probably reject it. Throwing shade on the Falcons system, Simmons on Up & Adams show revealed, “Like going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you’re getting out of me. And I know exactly what I’m getting out of them because I’ve been in the system. I still have a ways to go to mastering it. But there are some things and nuances that I know that Vic likes.” 

Fangio, who served as the Broncos’ head coach from 2019 to 2021, had Simmons leading his secondary. And those were some of the best years he had in the league. In his first season under Fangio’s system, Simmons racked up career-high assisted tackles (28). Then, in 2020, he again logged in career-high combined tackles (77). Finally, in 2021, Simmons got 1.5 sacks, yet again a career-high in the last year of Fangio in Denver. So, obviously, Simmons would want no one else but Fangio as his next coach in the NFL.

Now, the final decision completely lies with the Eagles. Considering they have a hole to fill after C.J. Gardner Johnson’s departure, the Eagles could probably bring Simmons in Philly. Seeing his prior experience playing under Fangio, Simmons could be an instant hit in the Phillies’ Super Bowl-winning defense.