Patriots cannot let Patrick Mahomes' kryptonite sign with AFC East rival

At this point in the offseason, most remaining available free agents are not the most desirable players, which explains why they are still unsigned. However, there are rare circumstances when a player of Justin Simmons' caliber is still looking for a new team, which seems unexplainable given his talent.

The longtime Denver Bronco was considered one of the top safeties of this year's free agency class, which was then overloaded with others at the position and left Simmons on the sideline for some reason.

He was a name floated for the Patriots to consider signing, mainly before they extended Kyle Dugger since they play the same position. While that could still happen, and probably should, the latest article from Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team suggests their divisional rival would be the best fit.

That in itself could be enough for Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf to seriously consider signing him.

The Bills are projected as the best fit for Justin Simmons before the 2024 season

Preventing a team like the Bills from signing a talent like Simmons would be wise, especially since he has become known for wreaking havoc on Patrick Mahomes over the last six years.

He's an interception machine, and the Patriots quarterbacks having to face him twice a year would not be a fun experience, especially since he's that productive against a player like the three-time Super Bowl Champion.

However, his fit makes sense given Buffalo's depleted secondary, which Mosher explains makes him the ideal fit to boost the roster and mentor the younger players.

"[Simmons] isn’t quite as dynamic as he was earlier in his career and will turn 31 during the 2024 season. But he is a clear upgrade for the Bills. He would be a welcome addition to a young safety room that could use some leadership. Simmons isn’t a long-term solution, but he would be an excellent stop-gap option until Bishop is ready to take the job."

Regardless of how true this might be for the Bills, the Patriots should try to sign him first or pray to the football gods that he doesn't land in the division. Simmons will be a nightmare for Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye to face, even if he's "not as dynamic" as he used to be.

The Patriots have the cap space to sign a player of his production, and he could be a great fit with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, who could really put their safety room over the top. The defense remains the better part of the team, so why not add another shutdown secondary player to make it even better?

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