South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A significant moment between safeties Justin Simmons and Jessie Bates III influenced Simmons' decision to join the Atlanta Falcons.

In February, during the Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida, Simmons approached Bates for a private conversation. At that time, the Falcons had concluded their third consecutive 7-9 season and had recently replaced head coach Arthur Smith with Raheem Morris.

"I know it was a tough season in Atlanta from a team perspective, so (I was) just talking to him and finding things out," Simmons said. "He's like, 'I just hope we get this thing right moving forward.'"

This past Monday, Simmons dined with five Falcons members – Morris, general manager Terry Fontenot, Bates, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett – at Chops in Atlanta as part of their effort to recruit him as a free agent. This setting allowed Simmons to revisit his earlier discussion with Bates.

"It's crazy because then I asked him that later on at that dinner when it was just me and him, like, 'Yo, I don't know if you remember what we talked about, but what do you think?'" Simmons said. "He's like, 'Nah, this is right.' And he left it at that."

Simmons' signing became official last Sunday after being first reported last Thursday. His contract is reportedly for one year worth $8 million with $7.5 million fully guaranteed.

A key factor in Simmons' decision was his two conversations with Bates amidst significant changes within the Falcons organization. The coaching staff saw new additions including offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. The Falcons also signed four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins and made other roster enhancements under Morris's leadership.

The way the Falcons addressed their recent struggles resonated with Simmons. It mirrored what he would have hoped for during his tenure with the Denver Broncos where he experienced only one winning season before being released this past March.

"I'm not going to talk about it much because that stuff's in the past and I'm moving forward," Simmons said. "But I was in Denver for eight seasons. In those eight seasons: five head coaches; six if you include an interim head coach. So a lot of turnover; a lot of heartbreak; a lot of potential in some seasons."

"When I was there with those guys (in Atlanta at dinner), I could see the appreciation for what's in front of them with what can be and how hungry they are to chase after that," he continued.

Simmons emphasized his desire to contribute meaningfully rather than joining an already successful team expecting automatic success.

The Falcons have not reached the postseason since 2017 but aim to change that narrative by 2024—a goal seen as achievable within their building according to discussions among players and staff.

"I really want to get there," Simmons said. "I don't know what it looks like; I don't know what it feels like... That was the No. 1 thing on my visits and talking to different teams... Man, I just want to go where obviously I'm valued and wanted but (also) where the team has that same hunger."