June 1st marks the beginning of the new league year in the NFL, triggering a wave of player releases as teams adjust their rosters for financial reasons. Reports from Denver indicate that the Broncos will not be bringing back All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. Widely regarded across sports media as the top available player, Simmons stands out as a prime free agent. As a Detroit Lions fan, I pose the question: Should the Lions pursue this opportunity?

Here are my five reasons why the answer is a resounding yes: Bring Simmons to the D!

1. Is Simmons Good Enough to Make an Impact?

Justin Simmons’ resume speaks for itself:

• Four-time second-team All-Pro, including the last three seasons.
• Tied for Interceptions leader in 2022.
• Interception stats since the 2019 season: 4, 5, 5, 6, 3.

2. Can He Fill a Role?

The Lions’ roster is one of the hardest in the league to make, but safety is a position where they are thin. Simmons would be Safety 1 from day one, transforming the secondary from a liability to a potential core strength.

3. Do the Financials Make Sense?

Detroit is among the league leaders in cap space available, with roughly $27 million in effective cap space. Extensions for key players like Goff, St. Brown, and Sewell won’t significantly impact the cap until 2026, providing a window of flexibility this year and next. Simmons’ previous contract averaged around $15 million per year, but at 30 years old, his next contract will be for less. Projections suggest a deal in the 2-year/$20 million range.

4. Does He Fit the Lions’ Character Values?

Character is a top priority for the Lions. Justin Simmons fits this mold perfectly:

• Previously nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
• Awarded the prestigious McGillis Scholarship at Boston College, given to “the defensive back who best exemplifies team dedication and leadership by example, an extraordinary competitive spirit, and personal concern for family, friends, and teammates.”
• Married his high school sweetheart.
• A devout Christian who speaks openly about his beliefs.

5. Is This Move Aligned with the Lions’ Super Bowl Window?

Brad Holmes does not operate under a “Super Bowl or bust” directive. He aims to win now without compromising the future. This move strikes a perfect balance: it’s not about going all in and overpaying for a player but about adding an All-Pro level player on an affordable short-term deal that doesn’t alter future plans.

When considering such decisions, it’s crucial to evaluate whether the move aligns with the front office’s values. In this case, signing Justin Simmons checks all the boxes without violating any “Lions’ principles.” While I typically try to talk myself out of moves involving my team, in this case, all I see are positive reasons for bringing Simmons to Detroit.