Four-time Second-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl former star Justin Simmons arrives at the Bills facility for a physical ahead of his expected signing: “I came here because of Josh Allen.”

October 21, 2025 | Orchard Park, New York

The Buffalo Bills appear close to bolstering their secondary with a major veteran addition. On Thursday morning, former Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons arrived at the Bills’ training facility in Orchard Park to undergo a physical, the final step before a potential signing with the team.

According to multiple league sources, the Bills and Simmons have been in advanced talks since early this week, and both sides are optimistic that a deal could be finalized within the next 48 hours — pending medical clearance. The 31-year-old veteran, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time Second-Team All-Pro, has drawn interest from several AFC contenders but chose Buffalo as his preferred destination.

Speaking briefly with reporters outside the team facility, Simmons said his decision came down to admiration — not for the contract, but for Josh Allen.

“I came here because of Josh Allen,” Simmons said. “He’s the kind of competitor you want to fight alongside. Watching him lead this team year after year, even through adversity — that’s the kind of leadership that makes you believe a Super Bowl run is still possible.”

The Bills’ pursuit of Simmons reflects both urgency and realism. With the NFL trade deadline less than two weeks away, Buffalo sits at 4–2, facing mounting pressure to stabilize its defense after a series of injuries and inconsistent play in the secondary. The team has relied heavily on Micah Hyde and Taylor Rapp, but depth and experience at safety have become critical concerns as the postseason picture begins to take shape.

Head coach Sean McDermott declined to confirm the pending signing but acknowledged the organization’s ongoing search for veteran reinforcements. “We’re always evaluating ways to make this team better,” McDermott said Thursday. “Justin’s résumé speaks for itself. If he’s healthy, he’s the kind of player who can elevate everyone around him.”

For Simmons, this opportunity represents a new chapter in a decorated career. After nine seasons in the NFL — eight with Denver and one in Atlanta — he remains one of the league’s most respected defensive leaders. Known for his exceptional coverage instincts and locker-room presence, he brings the kind of professionalism Buffalo values.

Still, Simmons recognizes the clock is ticking for both him and the Bills. With the AFC East tightening and New England surging behind young quarterback Drake Maye, Buffalo’s Super Bowl window is narrowing — a reality Simmons addressed candidly.

“I know where I’m at in my career,” he said. “You don’t get many more shots at this. But if I’m going to chase one more ring, I want to do it somewhere that still believes — and I think Buffalo still does.”

If all goes well with his medical evaluation, the Bills could announce the signing as early as Friday afternoon, potentially adding one more spark to a team still fighting to keep its championship dream alive.