The Cincinnati Bengals have often been linked to free agent Justin Simmons this offseason.
For outsiders, the fit makes sense because the Bengals didn’t do much at the position and seem to be ready to roll with Jordan Battle and Geno Stone.
But the big thing? Simmons himself has said he’d like to play with Joe Burrow on the Bengals.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox is the latest to make the connection while examining the offseason for each team:
“The Bengals should also look to add more pieces to their defense, specifically in the back seven. Cincinnati did nothing to improve its cornerback room, could use safety depth after parting with Vonn Bell and recently released defensive captain Germaine Pratt.”
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Simmons spent most of his career in Denver and earned All-Pro honors before going to Atlanta last year and struggling a bit. Now 31, he’s a nice option for teams in need.
At this point, signing Simmons would be about finding better depth and an emergency option if Stone or Battle struggle. But the team really likes Tycen Anderson for special teams and Daijahn Anthony showed flashes. In a pinch, they also have former first-rounder Dax Hill with experience at safety.
That’s not to say the Bengals shouldn’t do it, of course. But after not legitimately addressing the starters when they could, don’t be surprised if the Bengals don’t mess with the depth either.
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