ST.Steelers Reach Verbal Agreement With Star Safety 2x Pro Bowl & 4x All-pro Just 7 Hours After Falcons Release, 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.

Jets Star with 2 Pro Bowls & 2 All-Pro Nods Pleads for Bills Trade Amid Six-Game Skid

New York, NY — October 16, 2025 — With the New York Jets mired in a six-game losing streak, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner has publicly expressed a desire to be traded to the Buffalo Bills, an AFC East rival, saying he wants to “prove myself and build a real career.” The plea, posted on his X account last night, sent shockwaves through the NFL and ignited debate about the future of one of the league’s premier defensive backs.

At 0–6 and effectively out of the playoff race, the Jets sit at the bottom of the division after a disastrous start. Gardner, 25, already a two-time Pro Bowler (2023, 2024) and two-time First-Team All-Pro, has become the face of New York’s defense with shutdown performances against the league’s best receivers. But he admitted the constant collapse has been “eating away” at his competitive spirit.

“I love the Jets, but I need a place to truly shine,” Gardner wrote. “The Bills are building something with Josh Allen and Sean McDermott — I want to go there and prove I’m the best CB in the NFL, not just part of losing.”

The timing is combustible with the NFL trade deadline in November approaching and speculation that the Jets could sell premium assets to kick-start a rebuild. According to reports, the Bills (4–2) are seeking an elite cornerback to stabilize a banged-up secondary. Gardner, who signed a four-year deal in 2022 (reported average value $21.1M per year) and has two years remaining, could command a package of high draft picks or a young wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.

Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh tried to cool tensions at his morning presser:

“Sauce is the soul of our defense. We appreciate his honesty, but we’re committed to our future. Nothing changes right now.”

GM Joe Douglas declined specifics:

“We’ll do what’s best for the team long-term.”

On the other side, Bills GM Brandon Beane praised Gardner while remaining coy:

“Sauce is a special talent. We’re always looking to improve, but everything has to make sense.”

Gardner’s post also exposed a wider frustration among New York’s young core. Teammate Garrett Wilson liked the post and replied, “Bro, I get it.” On X, #SauceToBills trended past one million mentions, ranging from Jets fans’ anger (“Betrayal!”) to Bills fans’ excitement (“Welcome to Buffalo!”).

If a deal materializes, Gardner would face his former team twice a year and be tasked with elevating a contender’s defense during a playoff push. With rare length and movement skills at 6’3″, 190 lbs, he profiles as a seamless fit in Buffalo’s system and a potential difference-maker in January.

Whether the Jets can part with their defensive jewel is the looming question. The trade deadline will provide the answer.