Pittsburgh, PA – July 6, 2025
Steelers Nation is still reeling from the blockbuster trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami. In return, Pittsburgh landed All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith — a bold move, but one that left a gaping hole at the heart of the defense. Now the question echoes across every corner of the fanbase: Who’s going to replace Fitz?
You won’t hear the name right away, but whispers have already begun swirling around the South Side facility. A veteran safety, still unsigned, with the résumé of a legend and the fire of someone who still believes he’s got unfinished business. He’s not just another name on a free-agent list — he’s a four-time All-Pro and former Broncos icon.
That name? Justin Simmons.
Simmons, who spent eight seasons commanding Denver’s secondary, quietly pieced together a season with Atlanta last year — 62 tackles, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups — nothing flashy, but solid. And at 31, he’s not showing signs of slowing down.
“He’s easily the biggest name still on the market,” wrote Noah Strackbein of SI. “And he gives the Steelers their highest upside.”
The options are there: Marcus Williams, Jordan Whitehead, or even experimenting with Ramsey or Slay at safety. Juan Thornhill could take over too. But none of them bring the combination of leadership, ball skills, and consistency Simmons does. He’s racked up 32 interceptions in nine seasons — including six in a single campaign not long ago. That’s not declining. That’s elite.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly made it simple: “With Fitzpatrick gone, there’s a hole — and Simmons could be on Omar Khan’s shortlist.”
In a defense that thrives on veteran presence and instinct, Simmons could slot in seamlessly next to DeShon Elliott. He won’t replace Fitzpatrick’s aura overnight, but he could write his own story in black and gold.
And for a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a GM unafraid of making noise, the next signing might not be about potential — it might be about pedigree.
Stay tuned to ESPN.
