Ravens’ Secondary Challenge
Baltimore possesses a formidable safety duo in Kyle Hamilton and Ar’Darius Washington. Hamilton, emerging as one of the league’s top safeties with consecutive Pro Bowl honors, and Washington, a breakout performer, have impressed in their roles. Yet, the team faces a significant shortfall in depth behind these starters—a deficiency that could limit Hamilton’s ability to fully demonstrate his versatility later in games.
The Case for Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons offers a seasoned presence with two Pro Bowl selections and a career marked by 32 interceptions. Despite a recent season that saw him record only two interceptions and a high percentage of missed tackles, his extensive experience and knack for takeaways stand out. Simmons established himself as an elite ball hawk earlier in his career and could bring valuable lessons and seasoned reliability to a unit that recorded only a modest number of interceptions last season.
Strategic Fit and Cap Considerations
At a market value of approximately $5.8 million per year, Simmons represents a financially manageable acquisition given Baltimore’s salary cap challenges. His addition would not only provide the necessary depth for the secondary but also allow the team to maximize the talents of its starting safeties. With his proven experience and the potential to revitalize the defensive backfield, Simmons fits a strategic role as a late free-agent target capable of reshaping the Ravens’ defensive landscape.
