Cardinals named top suitor for superstar safety to join forces with Budda Baker

While the Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 season ended in disappointment, there’s optimism as they head into the offseason. They may not own a top draft pick, but they’ll have plenty of money to upgrade their roster in 2025. As of right now, Arizona is slated to have over $82 million in cap space to work with in free agency, so they’ll be big players for top talent.

One area they could look to improve is the secondary. Outside of star safety Budda Baker, the Cardinals don’t have much insurance at defensive back. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed Arizona as a top suitor for Justin Simmons.

The 31-year-old had a terrific campaign in coverage and was a bright spot in a Falcons defense that otherwise largely underwhelmed. Having now proven himself in multiple defensive schemes, Simmons should see a broad market. Age may limit Simmons’ earning potential, although the three-year, $54 million extension that Budda Baker signed late in the season with the Cardinals should have the safety market on the rise.

Imagine a safety tandem of Baker and Simmons? The Cardinals wouldn’t exactly be going the youth route with a move like this, but it would instantly improve the backend of their defense. The two-time Pro Bowler spent this past season with the Atlanta Falcons, logging 62 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions in 16 games. Simmons allowed just 229 yards in coverage in 2024, the lowest of his career.

This would be a massive move for an Arizona team desperately looking for help in the secondary.