Eagles Predicted to Land $5.8 Million Impact Defender

The Philadelphia Eagles have seen a lot of players leave during free agency this offseason. Also, they traded a key defender from their Super Bowl run.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was moved to the Houston Texans in a deal to bring offensive lineman Kenyon Green onboard. Losing Gardner-Johnson could open up a hole the Eagles need to fill.

With that in mind, there are some options available for Philadelphia in free agency.

Replacing Gardner-Johnson's production will not be easy. He totaled 59 tackles, a forced fumble, six interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 12 defended passes in 2024.

There is one free agency who the Eagles have recently been predicted to end up signing.

Nick Brinkerhoff of USA Today has predicted that Philadelphia will end up being the landing spot for Atlanta Falcons free agent safety Justin Simmons. He believes that Simmons could fill in for Gardner-Johnson.

"The Eagles find themselves potentially in the safety market after dealing away C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Simmons profiles as a perfect fit," Brinkerhoff wrote. 

"Already with experience playing under Vic Fangio, Simmons is the type of safety that could slot right in and not miss a beat for the defending champions. Better yet, he shouldn't be costly and wouldn't prevent the Eagles from drafting another player at the position in April."

Simmons is coming off of a productive 2024 season himself. He played in 16 games for the Falcons, recording 62 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven defended passes.

At 31 years old, Simmons is still playing at a high level and could help the Eagles' defense remain elite.

Spotrac currently has Simmons' market value projected at $5.8 million per year. If that is indeed his price tag, he would make even more sense for Philadelphia.