The Buffalo Bills are making waves in the NFL offseason, reportedly on the verge of signing a blockbuster deal with former Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, a player whose dominance on the field has earned him the reputation of a “safety beast.” This move could significantly bolster the Bills’ defense, raising the question: will this addition make their lineup truly unbeatable as they chase a Super Bowl title in 2025?
A Game-Changing Acquisition
According to a recent report from Yahoo Sports, the Buffalo Bills have been linked to Justin Simmons, a veteran safety who has been a standout performer in the NFL. Despite a down year in 2024, Simmons remains one of the league’s premier defensive backs, having earned Pro Bowl honors in previous seasons. His ability to read plays, intercept passes, and deliver hard-hitting tackles makes him a perfect fit for Buffalo’s defensive scheme under head coach Sean McDermott.
The Bills’ current safety group, consisting of Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Cole Bishop, ranked among the league’s weakest last season, with none of them placing in the top 70 safeties according to PFF grades. Simmons, even coming off a less productive year, would instantly become the best safety on the roster. His experience and playmaking ability could elevate Buffalo’s secondary, which struggled in 2024, allowing 226.1 passing yards per game, ranking 24th in the NFL.
Why Simmons Fits the Bills’ Needs
Simmons, a former Denver Bronco, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the table. In his prime, he recorded multiple seasons with four or more interceptions, showcasing his ball-hawking skills. His 2022 season with the Broncos saw him tally six interceptions, nine passes defended, and three forced fumbles, earning him second-team All-Pro honors. Even in a “down” 2024, Simmons remained a reliable tackler and a leader in the secondary.
The Bills’ defense has been a point of concern heading into 2025, particularly after injuries and suspensions plagued the unit during the offseason. The loss of longtime stalwarts Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer left gaps in the secondary, and while Rapp and Hamlin have been serviceable, they lack the elite playmaking ability Simmons brings. Additionally, rookie Cole Bishop showed promise in the AFC Championship Game but is still developing. Simmons’ veteran presence could provide stability and mentorship while addressing immediate needs in pass coverage.
The financial aspect of the deal also aligns with Buffalo’s strategy. With only $1.6 million in cap space, the Bills are reportedly targeting Simmons for a one-year deal that won’t break the bank. This approach allows them to maintain flexibility while adding a high-impact player who can contribute immediately.
Impact on the Bills’ Super Bowl Aspirations
The Bills are coming off a 2024 season where they reached the AFC Championship Game, only to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs for the fourth time in five playoff matchups. With quarterback Josh Allen playing at an MVP level and a revitalized offense, Buffalo’s defense needs to step up to compete with the AFC’s elite teams. Simmons could be the missing piece to make their lineup formidable.
Analysts suggest that Simmons’ addition could transform Buffalo’s secondary into a strength. Paired with cornerbacks like Christian Benford and the recently re-signed Tre’Davious White, Simmons could help create a lockdown defensive backfield. His range and instincts would complement McDermott’s “cloud-heavy” scheme, which relies on smart, rangy safety play to disrupt opposing passing attacks. Furthermore, Simmons’ leadership could galvanize a young defense that includes recent draft picks like Maxwell Hairston and Jordan Hancock.
However, challenges remain. The Bills’ defensive line has faced setbacks with suspensions to players like Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi, and an injury to free agent signee Joey Bosa. While the team addressed the defensive line in the 2025 draft with players like T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, the unit’s depth and consistency are still question marks. Simmons’ ability to clean up plays in the secondary could mitigate some of these concerns, but the Bills will need a cohesive effort to compete with high-powered offenses like Kansas City’s.
Can the Bills Be ‘Unbeatable’?
The term “unbeatable” is a lofty one in the NFL, where parity and injuries can derail even the most talented rosters. However, Simmons’ potential signing pushes the Bills closer to being a complete team. Their offense, led by Josh Allen and running back James Cook, is already one of the league’s best, with Allen’s MVP-caliber performance and Cook’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. If Simmons can anchor the secondary and help the defense return to its 2023 form (when it ranked third in points allowed), Buffalo could finally overcome their playoff nemesis, the Chiefs.
Bills Mafia is buzzing with excitement over the possibility of this signing, but there’s also cautious optimism. The team’s history of playoff disappointments looms large, and Simmons alone can’t guarantee a Super Bowl. His integration into the defense, chemistry with his new teammates, and ability to stay healthy at age 31 will be critical factors. Still, the prospect of a former Pro Bowl safety joining a contending roster is a reason for optimism in Buffalo.
What’s Next for Buffalo?
As the Bills prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how general manager Brandon Beane finalizes the roster. The potential signing of Justin Simmons signals an aggressive approach to addressing weaknesses, but the team may still look to add depth at cornerback or defensive tackle before training camp. With a deep draft class and a history of savvy free-agent moves, Beane has positioned the Bills as legitimate contenders.
The question remains: will this blockbuster deal make the Bills’ lineup unbeatable? While no team is truly invincible, adding a player of Simmons’ caliber brings Buffalo closer to that elusive Super Bowl goal. Fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation of the deal and watching how Simmons transforms the defense when the season kicks off.