Why Justin Simmons is the Key to the Texans’ Championship Puzzle

Justin Simmons is the final piece that the Texans must sign to go full tilt into a Super Bowl run. He’s the last true difference-making free agent available and the top talent at a position where the Texans have minimal proven productivity.

Simmons is a game-changer with four 2nd-team All-Pro selections in the last five seasons. In his eight-year career, he has never had less than two interceptions, and he’s had at least three picks in each of his last six seasons. His best year came in 2022 when he had six interceptions, tying for the most in the NFL. Over the last three seasons, he’s led all safeties with 14 interceptions and graded as a top-15 safety with an 82.3 coverage grade from PFF. He’s also performed as a top-30 play-terminating safety with 52 defensive stops.

In 2023, Simmons played more single-high safety than in his previous three years while also showing versatility in the slot (10.9% of snaps), the box (12.1%), EDGE (1.1%), and linebacker (11%). The Broncos' defensive turnaround can be partially credited to Simmons getting healthy after the first month of the season.

Beyond his ability to force interceptions, play top-15 coverage, impact the game as a top-30 play finisher, and his versatility across the field, Simmons has two accomplishments that should excite every Texans fan and the organization. First, he’s gone three straight seasons without missing a single defensive snap, a huge selling point for a team ravaged by injuries last year. Second, Simmons has a reputation for being a big-time player against top teams and QBs. He’s the active leader in career interceptions against the Texans’ biggest competition, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

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Assuming Simmons’ price tag has dropped to align with Caserio's evaluation, he could force Ward, Pitre, and rookie Calen Bullock to compete and earn playing time, putting each player in their best position to excel. His flexibility, vision, range, and size would give DeMeco a player not currently on the roster, maximizing the potential of every player in the back seven of the defense and providing top-tier Jimmy Ward injury insurance in the form of an All-Pro ball hawk.

The comparison that comes to mind is when Darren Sharper fell out of favor in Minnesota after two 2nd-team All-Pro selections over four years before being sent to New Orleans for their 2009 Super Bowl championship run, thanks to Sharper's Defensive Player of the Year-worthy performance. Adding Simmons would also give potential All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. the freedom to continue ascending as a top cornerback, reducing pressure on him and allowing him to benefit from what could be the most impactful EDGE group in the NFL in 2024.

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