RK The Steelers have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with a 2x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro star safety — just 7 hours after his shocking release from the Atlanta Falcons, per Adam Schefter.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – In a stunning move that has set the NFL abuzz, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a verbal agreement with Justin Simmons, the two-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro safety, just seven hours after his release from the Atlanta Falcons on the afternoon of October , 2025. Multiple sources close to the team confirmed the rapid deal, signaling a major upgrade for the Steelers’ secondary as they aim to solidify their position atop the AFC North following a tough 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football.
Simmons, 31, signed a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Falcons in the 2024 offseason after a storied eight-year tenure with the Denver Broncos. During the 2024 season, he played all 16 games, amassing 62 tackles, 7 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions, despite Atlanta’s defense ranking 23rd in total yards allowed. The Falcons, under new head coach Raheem Morris, opted to part ways with Simmons to focus on younger talent in their rebuilding secondary, making him a free agent by mid-afternoon today.
The Steelers, holding a 4-2 record and clinging to first place in the AFC North, wasted no time. Within hours of the release, Pittsburgh secured a preliminary one-year deal with Simmons, reportedly valued at $6-8 million with incentives, addressing a critical need at safety alongside DeShon Elliott. Simmons, known for his league-leading 32 career interceptions among active safeties, had previously praised the Steelers’ defensive culture on The Pat McAfee Show in May 2025, saying, “Playing in Pittsburgh’s system with guys like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward would be a dream come true.”
This acquisition comes on the heels of Pittsburgh’s defensive struggles in their recent loss, where Aaron Rodgers exploited the secondary for 312 yards and two touchdowns. With Simmons’ veteran presence, the Steelers aim to shore up their pass defense, which ranks 12th in the league but has shown vulnerabilities in clutch moments. Social media exploded with excitement, as #SimmonsToSteelCity trended nationwide, fueled by fans waving virtual Terrible Towels.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed the release, stating, “Justin’s a class act and a phenomenal player. This was about our long-term vision, but he’ll thrive wherever he lands.” For Pittsburgh, landing Simmons is a statement of intent as they chase a deep playoff run in 2025.
The deal awaits formalization, but Steelers Nation is already buzzing about Simmons patrolling the secondary. With the AFC North race heating up, this move could be the key to Pittsburgh’s pursuit of a seventh Super Bowl title.
