The Philadelphia Eagles were on top of the NFL world after securing a Super Bowl title. The foundation on the Eagles' roster is top-notch, giving them a pathway to being one of the best teams again in 2025.
Every season is different compared to the last and that will be the case for Philadelphia. They have seen some key contributors leave town, including safety CJ Gardner Johnson.
With him no longer being in the fold, the Eagles need to find a way to replace him. To their benefit, a player with ties to Vic Fangio and Christian Parker is open to joining the Birds for 2025.
Free agent safety Justin Simmons was a guest on the "Up & Adams Show" on Tuesday and he teased about the idea of joining Philadelphia.
Free agent safety Justin Simmons has plenty of connections in Philly. 👀@heykayadams | @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/wAYn9IWP5D
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
Justin Simmons Has Connection to Coaches in Philadelphia
During his appearance on the show, Simmons said, "Going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you're getting out of me and I know exactly what I'm getting out of them because I've been in the system.... There are some things and nuances that I know that Vic likes, that I know Christian Parker likes and I think I can really help in that area."
He added, "Them moving on from CJ and what he's poured into that city there are big shoes to fill but I love what they have going on with Blankenship and the rest of the supporting cast. I don't know, it's interesting."
The Eagles do have a hole at safety due to the departure of Gardner-Johnson and Simmons could be an ideal veteran option to pick up. He and Fangio crossed paths with the Denver Broncos from 2019-2021. Denver is also where Simmons and Parker were together from 2021-2023.
Over those five seasons, Simmons recorded 408 total tackles, 51 pass breakups, and 23 interceptions. The Boston College product has been a ball hawk over the middle of the field throughout his career. While his prime is likely in the rearview mirror, adding Simmons to the secondary would be a smart decision for Philadelphia.
They could add him on a one-year deal to hold down the starting start job while adding someone else in the NFL Draft. It may be risky to trot out a rookie for the 2025 campaign and Philadelphia may be wise to sign Simmons.
The connections with the coaching staff are already there and he looks ready to sign with Philadelphia if the opportunity presents itself.