Justin Simmons: Everything you need to know

Simmons recorded 62 total tackles (36 solo) and seven passes defensed, including two interceptions, over 16 games in 2024. Simmons joined the Falcons in mid-August after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Broncos, playing in at least 16 contests for the first time since 2021. The safety has now registered multiple interceptions in each of his nine NFL campaigns and he'll be an unrestricted free agent heading into the offseason.

Simmons recorded six total tackles (all solo) in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders. Simmons tied Dee Alford as the Falcons' third-leading tackler in the Week 17 loss, behind both Kaden Elliss (nine tackles) and Jessie Bates (12 tackles). The 31-year-old has now accumulated 56 tackles through 15 appearances this season and is on pace to finish with his lowest tackle total since his rookie season in 2016 (30 stops). Despite Simmons' underwhelming tackle output, he's contributed seven passes defended, including two interceptions, making key plays for the Falcons' defense. Expect the Boston College product to remain Atlanta's top strong safety in Week 18, when the Falcons face the Panthers.

Simmons (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Simmons suffered a hamstring injury during Atlanta's Week 6 win over the Panthers and played through the issue in Week 7, recording five solo tackles and one pass breakup while on the field for all 56 defensive snaps in the loss to Seattle. However, it appears the injury isn't getting better, as Simmons was deemed doubtful for Week 8 and will ultimately miss his first game of the season. Richie Grant is expected to start at safety in Simmons' absence.