Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for Justin Simmons

Could the Lions add secondary help?

The Detroit Lions have assembled a talented roster, one capable of making a deep playoff run in 2023. As a result, optimism is high regarding Dan Campbell's team.

However, the Lions have shown flaws defensively that have created caution. In last week's loss to Baltimore, the defense was exposed in a blowout loss. 

With the trade deadline set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, time is of the essence to add talent from elsewhere. General manager Brad Holmes has shown aggressiveness in the past, leading some to wonder whether he could make a big move to bolster the talent on the roster. 

Among the players who could be available is Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. The talented defender could be on the move amidst his team's struggles.

Simmons, 29, is set to be a free agent following next season, meaning a deal would come with another year of team control. His base salary this season is $14 million, with a set mark of $14.5 million for next year per OverTheCap. 

The Lions have necessary cap space and could tack on this amount with little harm done. 

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There's a lot to like about the potential fit between player and team. Simmons is a rangy free safety who has built an identity on being a ball-hawking safety. Last season, he tied for the league lead in interceptions in addition to totaling 69 tackles.

In five games in 2023, he's recorded one interception and 28 tackles. His pick came against Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, a noteworthy feat. 

Simmons has earned a 57.3 overall defensive Pro Football Focus grade, with a 58.1 mark in the coverage category. Per PFF, he has allowed nine completions for 122 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. 

The Lions have plenty of talent in their secondary, but much of that talent has been sidelined at various points within the season. Brian Branch missed two games, and prize free agent acquisition C.J. Gardner-Johnson is out for the foreseeable future. 

Kerby Joseph and Tracy Walker III have played the plethora of snaps as a result, giving the team two reliable players on the back end. Joseph hasn't quite matched his production from a season ago, though, as he's yet to record an interception in his second campaign. 

Denver is currently last in available cap space for 2023 and 26th in cap for 2024, which could lead the team to make moves. The team has plenty of assets, including Simmons, Patrick Surtain II and Courtland Sutton, who could draw attention from outside teams. 

The Lions would benefit from making this move. They've seen firsthand the impact injuries can have, so bringing more depth to the fold would be beneficial. 

Simmons is a three-time second-team All-Pro selection. He remains a high-level player, so he would be a significant and worthwhile addition to the organization. 

In order to trade for the talented defender, a middle-round pick would likely suffice given the market. Given Detroit's status as championship contenders, this is a price Holmes and his staff are likely to meet in order to add a key piece in their pursuit of a championship.