Former Broncos Star Simmons Still Wants to Play, But on His Terms

32-year-old safety Justin Simmons sat out 2025 season, still seeking right contending team opportunity

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:04pm

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Former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler, spent the entire 2025 NFL season without playing after a stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Simmons has made it clear he is still a free agent and could play in 2026, but only for a contending team that meets his specific criteria, as the 32-year-old does not want to uproot his family from Colorado.

Why it matters

Simmons was a key part of the Broncos' defense for several seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2019. His potential return to the NFL, even at this stage of his career, would be noteworthy, but his demands for the 'right' contending team opportunity could limit his options.

The details

After one season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, where the team started 6-3 before fading, Simmons chose to sit out the entire 2025 NFL season while waiting for the 'right' contending team opportunity. That never materialized, and it's possible the right fit won't come in 2026 either, as Simmons is unwilling to join a non-contender or uproot his family from Colorado. The Broncos, his former team, are unlikely to be that contender Simmons seeks.

  • Simmons spent the entire 2025 NFL season without playing.
  • Simmons played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, where the team started 6-3 before fading.

The players

Justin Simmons

A two-time Pro Bowl safety who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos before sitting out the 2025 season as a free agent.

Atlanta Falcons

The NFL team Simmons played for in 2024 before sitting out the 2025 season.

Denver Broncos

The NFL team Simmons spent the majority of his career with before sitting out the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I was being very meticulous in what time I wanted to play for. My time with the Atlanta Falcons was great. I loved it, I gained really great friendships, I had amazing coaches. I just think.... we started off hot. We were 6-3, everything was going well and I'm sure a lot of people watched that quarterbacks, Netflix documentary thing and you saw throughout the season if you were following Kirk, and I'm not talking about Kirk specifically, but like, our season went from 6-3 to just like downhill”

— Justin Simmons, Former Broncos Safety

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Simmons will find the 'right' contending team opportunity he is seeking for the 2026 NFL season. The Broncos, his former team, are unlikely to be that fit, as they have a strong safety duo already in place.

The takeaway

Simmons' unwillingness to join a non-contending team and his desire to avoid uprooting his family from Colorado could limit his options as a 32-year-old free agent. While his talent is undeniable, his specific demands may mean the former Broncos star has played his last NFL snap unless the perfect opportunity arises.