The Carolina Panthers have set their sights on adding another veteran defender.
They might be looking at a former NFC South rival to do so.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, via ThomasWrrld, the Panthers are interested in free agent safety Justin Simmons, who played last season for the Atlanta Falcons.
The #Panthers are interested in free agent S Justin Simmons, according to @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/svZT8HRGpV
— ً (@ThomasWrrld) June 15, 2025
Fowler added that the Philadelphia Eagles are another potential fit for the veteran, considering that he’s played under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and is familiar with the scheme.
With Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero a part of Fangio’s coaching tree, Carolina could be a solid fit for Simmons.
Evero was the defensive coordinator when Simmons was with the Denver Broncos in 2022.
He coached Simmons to one of the best seasons of his career, as he led the NFL with six interceptions and recorded a career-best three forced fumbles.
Simmons had 62 combined tackles and two interceptions in 16 starts for the Falcons in 2024.
The Panthers signed safety Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year contract worth $51 million this offseason, but that shouldn’t necessarily mean they’re not interested in Simmons.
They currently have fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom and undrafted rookies Isaac Gifford, Trevian Thomas and Jack Henderson as question marks next to veterans Nick Scott and Demani Richardson.
Also, the Panthers hosted Marcus Williams and Julian Blackmon for free agent visits this offseason, so they still might be looking to add more experience to the position.
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