The speculation among L.A. Rams fans and media has been focused on whether the team would sign Justin Simmons, a four-time second-team All-Pro, to bolster their safety position, which is seen as a significant need. Before the recent return of John Johnson to the team, the Rams were prepared to head into training camp with Kamren Curl, Kamren Kinchens (a rookie third-round pick), and Russ Yeast at safety.
While the return of John Johnson might initially appear favorable for other safeties seeking opportunities, the reality is quite different. As I mentioned back in May, with Simmons’ release underscoring the idea that safeties are now akin to running backs in terms of value, the Rams seem to perceive little distinction between a perennial top safety like Simmons, who earned a Pro Bowl nod last season, and a player like Johnson, who started only sporadically for the Rams in 2023 out of necessity.
Justin Simmons, a 2023 Pro Bowl safety at age 30, is approaching the point where he may command a veteran minimum deal.
John Johnson, who rejoined the Rams last year after struggling to find a team following his release by the Browns, likely commands a salary not significantly lower than Simmons.
So why opt for Johnson over Simmons? While familiarity with Johnson is undoubtedly a factor, similar to how the Rams knew Derion Kendrick but still pursued upgrades like Tre’Davious White at cornerback, the team’s history with a player isn’t the sole determinant of their decisions to upgrade. They pursued improvements at other positions like center and guard by signing Jonah Jackson despite being more familiar with Coleman Shelton.
In the Rams’ defensive scheme, it appears that very few safeties, including Johnson, Simmons, and others like Tyrann Mathieu and Kevin Byard, offer markedly different levels of value. Unless they possess exceptional talents like Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James, or Antoine Winfield, standout safeties may be becoming rare.
Even when considering other notable safeties like Budda Baker, Minkah Fitzpatrick, or Jessie Bates, the fact remains that Justin Simmons, despite his credentials, remains unsigned.
Justin Simmons has been consistently regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL, often mentioned in the same tier as players like Budda Baker, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Jessie Bates. While opinions may vary, many still consider Simmons to be at or near the level of these elite safeties.
Looking at the current landscape of free agent safeties in 2024, it’s evident that the market dynamics for the position are challenging. Similar to running backs who have one or two top earners like Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara, safeties have a few players at the top tier, followed by subsequent tiers where salaries diminish.
The list of unsigned free agent safeties includes notable names like Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson, Jamal Adams, Micah Hyde, Tracy Walker, Jayron Kearse, Keanu Neal, and Ryan Neal. For these players, the outlook is uncertain, with some potentially facing the end of their careers without knowing it.
For John Johnson III, while there may still be hope for him to find a team, the broader picture for safeties as a position isn’t as optimistic.
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