Steelers Get Superstar Option at Safety
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a superstar option they can sign in the free agency market. If the financial sides work out, the opportunity has presented itself for this team to put a Pro Bowler alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick – and they should strike at the signing.
Following his release by the Denver Broncos, two-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is now available to sign anywhere. The 30-year-old is coming off a three-interception season, and has accumulated 30 interceptions over the course of his career.
He’s never had a season without multiple interceptions.
The financial end is the big question mark. Obviously, Pittsburgh would love to add a second Pro Bowler alongside Fitzpatrick, but they may not be willing to pay as much as Simmons is worth. His last deal was worth $61 million in four years, and there’s a chance his next one is still over $10 million per season.
Fitzpatrick is set to take on a $21.3 million cap hit this season, which would mean the Steelers are paying over $30 million for their safety position alone.
If the numbers make sense, the signing makes sense. Pittsburgh could keep Damontae Kazee and keep their three-man rotation. It would allow them to make it easier to move on from Patrick Peterson, which would save them roughly $6 million, clearing up a good chunk of what Simmons’ cap hit would be.
The Steelers have options. Jordan Poyer, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Jamal Adams are all available and Pittsburgh should consider each one. But if they’re shooting for the stars and want a sure bet, Simmons is their top option.
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