The New York Giants’ secondary has been revamped this offseason after seeing the departure of two key veterans. Starting safety Xavier McKinney left in free agency, landing a huge deal with the Green Bay Packers. Along with him went veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who is still unsigned but not expected to return to New York.
As a result, the Giants are depending on a young and unproven secondary to carry the load in 2024. However, there are still some intriguing veterans available on the free agency market who could be signed during the summer to bolster Big Blue’s defensive backfield.
Justin Simmons is shockingly still a free agent
Former Denver Broncos starting safety Justin Simmons was shockingly released earlier this offseason. Even more surprising, Simmons is still a free agent despite being among the best defensive players to hit the open market this spring.
Simmons was named a second-team All-Pro last season for the fourth time in his career and for the third year in a row. He totaled 70 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, eight pass defenses, and three interceptions.
Despite his impressive play, Simmons was released by Denver in a cap-saving move. Now, he could become an interesting target for the Giants to consider as training camp approaches.
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Where would Simmons fit in the Giants’ secondary?
Currently projected as the Giants’ two starting safeties this season are rookie second-round pick Tyler Nubin and returning starter Jason Pinnock. Both players bring promise and potential to the defensive backfield, however, neither brings the All-Pro pedigree of Simmons.
Simmons could immediately slide in as a starter over either Nubin or Pinnock as he has experience playing both free safety and strong safety at a high level in his NFL career. However, the Giants may prefer to save their salary cap space and bank on home-grown talent to develop this season in what could ultimately become a rebuilding year.
