The Pittsburgh Steelers squeaked by in Week 1 by narrowly beating the New York Jets. It was a back-and-forth game, and certainly not the low-scoring slugfests we have grown accustomed to as fans.
While considered to be the strength of this team ahead of the season, the Steelers' defense failed in spectacular fashion. They made stops when they were needed most, but for such an emphasis on being the better defensive team, this unit was a sad excuse.
On the flip side, the offense showed life that we haven’t seen for quite some time. Aaron Rodgers breathed new life into this passing game, and while the rushing attack wasn’t great, Jaylen Warren ran hard.
This offense looks like a legit unit, but with mounting injuries, this team has to be aggressive in adding its next big playmaker. Who better to help out in the secondary than Justin Simmons?
The Pittsburgh Steelers should kick the tires on Justin Simmons
Simply put, there are a lot of avenues this team can explore by upgrading this week.
Wide receiver, thankfully, isn’t one. Calvin Austin proved himself as the second option, so the need isn’t pressing there. Offensive tackle is arguably the biggest need, but the available options are lackluster.
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This leaves safety as the biggest need, and with DeShon Elliott injured, there is an opening for a starting role. Chuck Clark and Juan Thornhill were middling in week one, so having a true star get added would be a boost. Adding Jabrill Peppers could be the answer, but he is likely only going to help replace Elliott's run defense, and it may not happen right away.
Enter Simmons. While on the back end of his career, Simmons can still play good football. He is excellent in coverage and is a known ball hawk. Something like that on the backend of the defense would be big.
He can be used in either safety spot as well, further adding to his value. He can line up next to Jalen Ramsey in base defense as the strong safety before playing center field when Ramsey kicks down to the slot.
When Elliot returns, he gives you another savvy veteran to use in the defensive backfield. While more investments in the secondary may not seem like the logical move, it currently has the most strength in the free agent market.
Simmons would add instant value to this defense as opposed to the options at tackle. While not perfect, the offense proved it can move the ball effectively. The defense needs to plug its holes.
Safety happens to be one of those holes as it stands, and adding Simmons to pair with Peppers and the eventual return of Elliott would make it a potential strength. For a team that needs to get better on defense, adding a player of his caliber to this group would be a wise investment that just may get the Steelers over the hump.