Veteran Safety being considered

[SunsetBengal]

(03-07-2024, 08:38 PM)Nepa Wrote: I found out that the Bengals could actually sign Justin Simmons now, and not wait until Monday. Here is the reference I found from CBS Sports:

"Players released from existing contracts are another story. Lots of teams release players before free agency as a way of clearing salary-cap space. One notable example this offseason is Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. If Simmons had been a pending free agent, he would've needed to wait until March 11 to speak with other teams, and March 13 to finalize a deal. Because Denver terminated his contract, which ran through 2024, he is now already free to sign with another team."

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-free-agency-explainer-when-does-signing-period-start-why-can-some-players-change-teams-now/

If the Bengals are serious about a veteran Safety, Justin Simmons would definitely be one to lock up for a 3 year deal.  The amount of money that he would require might require the team to rethink their plans on how to best use Dax Hill going forward, but with Battle and Simmons in the middle, the defense would likely look like 2021-22 again.

The only prohibitive factors that I can think of are if they don't deal Tee Higgins to another team, his franchise tag cost might inhibit the team from being able to secure all 3 of FS, NT and RT before heading into the draft.