Context:

The Cincinnati Bengals are focused on improving their defense after a lackluster 2024 season, where they ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed. Despite the offense's strong performance leading them to the playoffs, the defense's struggles prompted the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and hiring Al Golden. In free agency, the Bengals added T.J. Slaton to their defensive line but still face significant gaps in their pass rush and secondary. Veteran safety Justin Simmons, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, is identified as a potential asset due to his versatility and leadership qualities, despite a subpar 2024 season. Simmons, known for his strong pass coverage and run defense with the Denver Broncos, could replace the struggling Geno Stone and enhance the Bengals' secondary depth and experience.

Dive Deeper:

• The Bengals' defense was a weak point in 2024, ranking 25th in yards and points allowed, despite their offense being strong enough to reach the playoffs. This led to significant coaching changes, including replacing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Al Golden from Notre Dame.

• In the offseason, the Bengals sought to bolster their defense but made only modest improvements, adding T.J. Slaton to the defensive line. However, the team still has notable deficiencies in their pass rush and secondary that need addressing.

• Justin Simmons, a veteran safety who played with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, is seen as a potential addition to the Bengals' roster. He is valued for his ability to play multiple roles and bring balance to the secondary, which lacks a seasoned leader despite its young talent.

• Simmons had a challenging year in 2024, with 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections, earning a 59.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. Despite this, his previous performances with the Denver Broncos have been significantly better, highlighting his capability as a top-tier safety.

• Throughout his career, Simmons has demonstrated his defensive prowess, achieving at least 80 tackles in four different seasons and earning three Pro Bowl selections. His best season was in 2022, with 69 tackles and a league-leading six interceptions, showcasing his ability to excel in both pass coverage and run defense.

• In Cincinnati, Simmons could immediately fill the free safety position, currently occupied by Geno Stone, who underperformed last season. His addition would not only bring valuable experience but also potentially stabilize and strengthen the Bengals' secondary.

• The Bengals are actively exploring free agent options to address their defensive shortcomings, with Simmons being a logical fit due to his experience and versatility, which could significantly aid in the team's efforts to enhance their defensive performance.

• We're getting closer and closer to the 2025 NFL season as free agency and the draft are now behind us. 

• Entering this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals needed to get better on defense. The offense was good enough to make the playoffs in 2024, but the defense frequently allowed big plays and gave up leads. 

• The unit finished 25th in the league in both yards allowed and points allowed per game. Thus, prior defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired and Al Golden was brought in from Notre Dame. 

• In free agency, though, the Bengals didn't make any huge upgrades on defense. T.J. Slaton was brought in and should be a solid starter on the defensive line, but the pass rush and secondary still need a ton of help. 

• Fortunately for the Bengals, there's still a few free agents who are available to help. Liam Rebellato of LWOS identified veteran safety Justin Simmons as a logical fit for the Bengals. 

• Regarding a potential Bengals-Simmons pairing, Rebellato offered the following: 

• The Cincinnati Bengals also stand out. They locked up their star receivers on offense, and their secondary is filled with young talent, but lacks a seasoned leader. Adding free agent Justin Simmons, who has the ability to play multiple roles, would provide versatility and balance.

• Simmons is among the best safeties remaining on the market after playing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. 

• The veteran is likely still unsigned due to having a down year by his standards in 2024. Simmons ended the season with 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections. 

• Pro Football Focus gave Simmons a 59.9 overall grade in 2024. While that's not an impressive grade overall, Simmons graded out slightly better in pass coverage and his prior performances have been much better. 

• Before latching on with the Falcons last offseason, Simmons spent the first eight years of his career with the Denver Broncos. During that time, Simmons earned a reputation as one of the better safeties in the league and provided value in pass coverage and as a run defender. 

• Simmons' best season came in 2022 when he collected 69 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and a league-leading six interceptions.

• Overall, the defender has had at least 80 tackles in four different seasons and has been selected to three Pro Bowls. 

• In Cincinnati, Simmons could immediately slot in at free safety. The Bengals have 2024 addition Geno Stone at that spot, but Stone struggled mightily last season and could be replaceable. Adding Simmons would give the Bengals another solid veteran to utilize in the secondary.

• MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS

• Bengals' Trey Hendrickson gives troublesome contract update in candid statement to ESPN

• Bengals schedule 2025: Release dates and times, list of opponents, strength of schedule

• Bengals free agent pitch lands former $9 million veteran running back to pair with Chase Brown