Steelers Urged to Target Ex-All-Pro Safety to Replace Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave up former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade for former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. But it’s possible the Steelers already have a safety replacement in mind for Fitzpatrick. That’s what SI on Steelers’ Noah Strackbein suggested when he argued Pittsburgh could sign former second-team All-Pro safety Justin Simmons a day after the Steelers traded with the Miami Dolphins.

“Former Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons remains on the market, being one of the many big-name veterans still waiting for a job in 2025. At 31-years-old, Simmons is coming off his only years with the Atlanta Falcons, and with two interceptions and 62 tackles last season, he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank,” wrote Stackbein.

“The Steelers have a few options in free agency. Former Baltimore Ravens’ Marcus Williams and former Pitt standout Jordan Whitehead are both on the open market still. If the team wanted to move Ramsey to safety or Darius Slay back to safety, they could do that as well. They could also just left Juan Thornhill fill the role.

“Signing Simmons gives them their biggest upside, though. He’s easily the biggest name of all of their options, and there seems to be no slowing down in his game. With 32 interceptions, including six three seasons ago, he’s a proven veteran and four-year All-Pro.”

Simmons made second-team All-Pro four times while playing eight years with the Denver Broncos. He also earned two Pro Bowl nominations in Denver.

Last season, Simmons posted 62 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss, seven pass defenses and two interceptions for the Atlanta Falcons.

Could Steelers Sign Veteran Safety Justin Simmons?

Pundits pretty much linked the Steelers to Simmons as soon as the team traded Fitzpatrick.

“With the departure of Fitzpatrick, who could easily have been called a cornerstone of the defense, there is a hole at safety alongside DeShon Elliott,” wrote Steelers insider Mark Kaboly.

The long-time Steelers insider concluded that Simmons “could be” on general manager Omar Khan’s shortlist to sign.

Simmons will turn 32 years old during the regular season.

The Broncos drafted Simmons in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He possesses nine years of NFL experience.

Ironically, Simmons finished the 2022 campaign tied with Fitzpatrick for the NFL lead with six interceptions.

Simmons intercepted at least four passes every season from 2019-22. Big plays used to be Fitzpatrick’s strength, but he had just one interception in his final 27 games with Pittsburgh.

In seven NFL seasons, Fitzpatrick has made first-team All-Pro three times. He also has five Pro Bowl nominations.

How Simmons Could Fit With Steelers

As Kaboly explained, it’s a little unclear who will start next to Elliott at safety with the Steelers parting with Fitzpatrick. Filling that starting role is the most obvious reason for Pittsburgh to target Simmons.

Simmons has started 124 NFL games.

If the Steelers make no additions, veteran Juan Thornhill will likely start next to Elliott. Ramsey could also see snaps at safety.

Simmons’ age should be a concern. The Steelers have added quite a few older veterans this offseason, so they could have one of the oldest starting lineups this fall. While serviceable, Simmons also wasn’t great with the Falcons last season.

But Strackbein sees the veteran safety as an upgrade for Pittsburgh.

“Mike Tomlin loves to add star players when they’re ‘old and cheap,’ in his words. This season, the Steelers are all in. They’re hunting for a championship and trying to end their drought with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and some massive changes on defense,” wrote Strackbein.

“Simmons is likely cheap and probably considered “old” in the NFL. But he’s an instant star to any defensive secondary, and the Steelers are trying to add as many stars as they can get their hands on.

“If they don’t want any questions about how they’ll fill safety this season, Simmons is their best answer.”