Is Justin Simmons the answer to the Bengals' defensive woes ahead of the 2025 NFL season?

With the 2025 NFL season nearing, the Cincinnati Bengals still face a glaring issue: a leaky defense that threatens to derail their Super Bowl hopes. Despite fielding one of the league’s most explosive offenses, the Bengals' defense ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed last season. Lou Anarumo is out, Al Golden is in but high-impact defensive signings remain absent. Aside from T.J. Slaton, Cincinnati’s free agency has lacked the bold moves fans expected.Enter Justin Simmons, a seasoned safety who’s still on the free-agent market and oddly overlooked. At 28, Simmons may not have had his best statistical year in 2024 with the Falcons, but let’s not forget who we’re talking about. This is a three-time Pro Bowler with a proven track record of high-impact performances, including a league-leading six interceptions in 2022.Simmons logged 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections last season, numbers that don’t pop, but don’t tell the full story either. His overall grade may have dipped, but his pass coverage skills remain intact. What he brings isn’t just production, it’s experience, leadership, and a commanding presence in the secondary.Cincinnati's current free safety option, Geno Stone, struggled in 2024 and hasn’t shown he can anchor the back end of the defense. Simmons, on the other hand, could walk in and take command of the unit offering a stabilizing force that the Bengals badly need.At this point in the offseason, Simmons represents one of the best remaining opportunities to upgrade without breaking the bank. He’s versatile, durable, and motivated to bounce back. For a Bengals team with Super Bowl aspirations, not making a serious move for Simmons could be the difference between another playoff letdown and finally making a legitimate title run.Also Read: Steelers fans stunned after George Pickens trade but Cam Heyward asks patience amid roster shake-up- “Don’t Panic, Stay Patient”The Bengals have the talent to go the distance but without fixing their defensive backfield, they might never get past the same old hurdles. Signing Justin Simmons could be the spark they’ve been missing.