FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are making roster moves as the team prepares for the upcoming regular season.
The team announced Sunday that it signed All-Pro free agent safety Justin Simmons and released wide receiver James Washington, who was recently signed this year. Washington is an NFL veteran who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys.
In terms of Simmons, the Associated Press reported earlier this week that a source said that Simmons agreed on a $8 million, one-year contract.
The new Falcons player said in a social media video that he has everything ready to go and is excited to be part of the organization.
Simmons is a four-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. He was originally selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round -- 98th overall -- of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Boston College.
According to a release, Simmons spent eight seasons in Denver, starting 108 of 118 games while totaling 604 tackles (443 solo) with 19 tackles for loss, 30 interceptions, 4.5 sacks and 64 passes defended.
The 6'2, 202-pound safety earned second-team All-Pro honors in each of the last three seasons. He was also named to his second career Pro Bowl last year after recording 70 tackles (53 solo), three interceptions, one sack and eight passes defensed.
The Virginia native has ranked in the top five in the NFL in interceptions three times in his career -- including tying for a league-high six picks in 2022, according to a release.
Welcome to The A, Justin!
