The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 offseason with Super Bowl aspirations, but their secondary remains a question mark, particularly at safety following the departure of Cam Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts. While the outside cornerback duo of Isaiah Rodgers and Mekhi Blackmon shows promise, the loss of Bynum leaves a gap in the middle of the field. With veteran Harrison Smith, now 36 and likely in his final NFL season, potentially seeing a decline, the Vikings need to bolster their safety room to maintain their aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive scheme under coordinator Brian Flores.
Bynum, while not an elite talent, was a reliable starter whose absence will be felt. Josh Metellus is a solid strong safety, and Theo Jackson provides depth, but the team could benefit from a high-level addition to elevate the unit. Sports Illustrated’s Gilbert Manzano has proposed a bold solution: signing former Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro who remains a free agent.
A Proven Playmaker for a Contending Team
At 31, Simmons is no longer in his prime, but his resume speaks for itself. The Boston College product earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2021 to 2023 and was named an All-Pro as recently as 2023. His lone season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 was solid, if not spectacular, showing he still has plenty left in the tank. For a team like the Vikings, who were one game shy of the NFC’s top seed last season, Simmons could be the missing piece to solidify their secondary.
Flores’ defensive system relies heavily on safeties to handle deep center-field coverage, execute spill techniques, and support the run game. Simmons’ versatility and experience make him an ideal fit. As Manzano notes, “Simmons can help form a productive safety rotation in Minnesota with Smith, Theo Jackson, and Josh Metellus. Solid coverage is a need in Brian Flores’s aggressive defensive scheme.”
A Cost-Effective Opportunity
With training camp approaching, the free-agent market is thinning, especially at a specialized position like safety. Simmons represents one of the last high-upside options available. While he once commanded one of the NFL’s highest safety contracts, his next deal is unlikely to approach the $7.5 million he earned with the Falcons in 2024. A one-year contract in the $3-5 million range could be a steal for Minnesota, offering a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to strengthen their roster.
Why the Vikings Should Act Now
The Vikings’ secondary needs reinforcement to compete in a stacked NFC. While Rodgers and Blackmon are ascending talents, the former missed all of last season due to injury, and the latter is still developing. At safety, Metellus is dependable but not a game-changer, and Smith’s age raises concerns about his durability. Adding Simmons would provide stability, experience, and playmaking ability, allowing Flores to maintain his aggressive approach without sacrificing coverage.
If the Vikings can secure Simmons on a budget-friendly deal, it would be a stunning coup for a team with championship ambitions. With few alternatives available, Minnesota should move quickly to bring the four-time All-Pro on board and solidify their defense for a 2025 Super Bowl run.