{"id":54475,"date":"2025-06-09T00:53:55","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T00:53:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54475"},"modified":"2025-06-09T00:53:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T00:53:55","slug":"dolphins-predicted-to-add-former-61-million-2-time-pro-bowl-defender-at-key-area-of-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=54475","title":{"rendered":"Dolphins predicted to add former $61 million 2-time Pro Bowl defender at key area of need"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The 2025 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and the Miami Dolphins are hoping to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2024.<\/p>\n

However, that won’t be easy in an AFC East that features a true contender in the Buffalo Bills, and the New York Jets and New England Patriots, who should both be improved.<\/p>\n

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It’s been a rough offseason for the Dolphins, as well, who seemingly haven’t gotten much better on paper. Star left tackle\u00a0T<\/strong><\/a>erron Armstead retired<\/strong>\u00a0and safety\u00a0Jevon Holland left in free agency<\/strong>. Additionally, Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey have\u00a0both been involved in trade rumors<\/strong>, and losing either would be a massive blow.<\/p>\n

As a result, the Dolphins may need to head back to the free agent market and look for some players that would improve the depth, especially in the secondary.<\/p>\n

Marissa Myers of TWSN recently<\/strong>\u00a0identified Justin Simmons as a logical fit for the Dolphins. Myers offered the following regarding the safety:<\/p>\n

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The Dolphins saw both Jordan Poyer retire, and Jevon Holland leave in free agency. For a Dolphins team entering a crucial season where they need to succeed as Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat they can\u2019t have the secondary be a weak link.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To ensure they can make the playoffs having a leader like Simmons on the backend is necessary.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Justin Simmons would also help with mentoring any young players\u00a0that the Dolphins look to add to the secondary for the future. He may be 31, turning 32 midseason, but the presence from Simmons can still be relatively felt, and that is what the Dolphins need to add at this stage in free agency.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As Myers pointed out, the Dolphins saw both Jordan Poyer and Holland leave, so both safety spots are big question marks.\u00a0The Dolphins did bring in both Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis in free agency, but neither have been great in their careers.<\/p>\n

Simmons, meanwhile, has at points been one of the game’s better free safeties. In 2024, Simmons played in 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons and racked up 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions.<\/p>\n

Pro Football Focus wasn’t a big fan<\/strong>\u00a0of the veteran’s play last year, however, giving Simmons a 59.9 overall grade. Still, though, Simmons has graded out much higher in previous years and may not have been the best fit in Atlanta’s defense.<\/p>\n

Simmons’ best season was arguably 2022, when the veteran led the NFL with six interceptions. In total, Simmons has earned two Pro Bowl selections in his career and has been a Second-Team All-Pro selection four times.<\/p>\n

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In Miami, Simmons could immediately start at free safety next to Melifonwu, and allow Davis to play as the third safety. While maybe not the elite ball hawk he once was, Simmons is still a reliable veteran who could mentor the young guys and raise the defense’s floor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The 2025 NFL season is rapidly approaching, and the Miami Dolphins are hoping to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2024. 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