Steelers' Potential Free Agent Target Justin Simmons Shares Exactly What He's Looking For With Next Team

The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in the media spotlight after a blockbuster trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins. In return, the Steelers acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. While there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the impact Ramsey and Smith could have, Fitzpatrick’s departure leaves a noticeable gap at the safety position.

One potential option still available in free agency to fill this gap is veteran safety Justin Simmons. Simmons is known for being a strong leader and playmaker, and he would bring a lot of valuable experience to the Steelers' secondary. Recently, Simmons spoke with the media and opened up about where he currently stands in his career and, more importantly, what he’s looking for in his next team, and these comments may align well with what the Steelers can offer.

"I think Atlanta [Falcons] I would still pick 10 out of 10 times if I was in the spot [I was in] last year," Simmons said. "But in terms of where I’m at now, [I’m] being a little bit more picky where we want to go and where we want to call home next … the next two years, a year, whatever it is … but a contender is number one on the list right now."

While the exact reason behind the decision to trade Fitzpatrick hasn’t been officially revealed, reports indicate that the Steelers were not actively looking to shop him. However, his performance in recent seasons hasn’t quite matched the high level of play from earlier in his career. Considering that his contract was set to expire after the 2026 season, the Steelers likely felt that this was the right time to make a change and begin reshaping their secondary for the future.

Although Fitzpatrick is no longer with the team, the Steelers haven’t held back from bringing in top-tier talent this offseason. It’s clear they’re aiming to do the impossible, trying to stay competitive in the upcoming season while also building for the future. They've made significant additions on both offense and defense, targeting several key areas to strengthen the overall roster.

With these recent roster additions and the comments made by Simmons, a potential fit between the two seems more realistic than ever. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has earned praise recently for his open-minded approach to roster building. He’s consistently shown a willingness to explore all available options, by making surprising yet impactful moves that has strengthened the entire team. Simmons could seriously be the next big addition in what’s been a big and bold offseason for Pittsburgh.

Simmons would instantly provide valuable veteran leadership to a Steelers secondary that is still developing and gaining experience. His years in the league have made him a reliable and steady presence on the field, something the team could benefit from after recent roster changes. What makes Simmons especially appealing is his versatility; he can perform at a high level in both pass coverage and run defense. That kind of all-around skill set makes him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh’s aggressive defensive style.

The Steelers Have A Balanced Roster

Overall, the Steelers have done an impressive job this offseason in building a well-balanced and thoughtful roster. Their moves reflect their rebuilding strategy, where they hope to stay competitive right now, as well as continued for the future. The team has brought in a mix of promising young rookies full of potential, paired with seasoned veterans who bring leadership, experience, and the ability to mentor the next generation. It’s a balanced blend of youth and experience that could prove to be a game changing plan. Because of this, the Steelers have become one of the most interesting teams to watch heading into the season, and a lot of people will be keeping a close eye on how this new roster performs on the field.

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