Justin Simmons is open to reunion with Atlanta Falcons. Should the feeling be mutual?

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The whiteboards in the facilities in Flowery Branch should all have one word plastered on the top of them: Defense. The Atlanta Falcons fielded a lackluster defense last season that allowed 30+ points in four of their last seven starts, including their final two weeks that resulted in overtime losses. One of the more disappointing aspects of the defense, other than its lack of creativity, was the play from two veterans that were picked up toward the beginning of the season: Matthew Judon and Justin Simmons.

Both players were picked up for one-year deals, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents to either be re-signed and be a part of the Falcons retooling efforts or find a worthwhile opportunity elsewhere. Instead, both players underwhelmed and are still on the market, waiting for someone to take another chance on them.

As a part of his free agency tour, Simmons went onto FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams with host Kay Adams. Before discussing all the other opportunities that may arise this season for the former four-time Second Team All-Pro, Simmons and Adams discussed a return to the Falcons as a potential option. An option that Simmons seems to be tentatively open to.

So, Simmons is open to come back. Should the Falcons look to bring him back?

The answer is yes, but on a discount.

Last season, everybody outside of Kaden Elliss were a victim of a largely lifeless defensive gameplan from first-and-last-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. On the other hand, the Falcons have a couple of safeties in Demarcco Hellams and free agent signing Jordan Fuller that they could slot in alongside Jessie Bates.

However, the presence of Fuller and Hellams aren’t deterrents to getting better at the other safety position. In fact, one of the better fits in this year’s draft is Georgia’s Malaki Starks to the Falcons at 15 if there is an early run on edge rushers.

But, as Simmons is going into his age-32 season, Atlanta has to guard themselves away from the proverbial cliff that defensive backs find themselves teetering off of once they hit 30.

So, if Simmons can find a way back to the team on another one-year deal for around $3-$5 million, maybe even $5.5 million if the brass believes that his struggles were scheme-based.

However, pushing toward that $7 million number again after he failed to live up to that contract last season simply isn’t good business.