Ramon Foster sends Steelers warning about selling future for Justin Simmons

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major move in September 2019 by trading for former Miami Dolphins' safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Since then, Fitzpatrick has been one of the best safeties in the NFL, but the Steelers have been searching for Fitzpatrick's supporting partner in the secondary. 

Justin Simmons is considered one of the top free-agent safeties available, and he could fit well with the Steelers. However, Ramon Foster doesn't see it that way.

When there is a safety like Fitzpatrick, the best way to get the most out of that player is to have the right person next to him. Troy Polamalu had Chris Hope and Ryan Clark during his career, and their partnerships gave Polamalu the freedom to fully lean into the style he preferred to play. 

Pittsburgh wants that same kind of success in the secondary, but Foster doesn't see Simmons as the answer for the Steelers. On "The Ramon Foster Show" Thursday, Foster explained why the Steelers shouldn't look to Simmons.

"Justin Simmons is a name you know and a name you think you can trust, but here's the thing about Justin Simmons, he's about to be 30, or he's already in his 30s as far as his career's concerned, right? So, there's that side to it, and I know we got good stuff out of Pat Peterson, but you're also in a position where — are you a Justin Simmons away from winning a Super Bowl to justify that signing? ... Now, if you're trying to compete and be a team that stays above the water, then, yeah, you sign Justin Simmons, but that also goes into his pay. ... How long do you want a guy like Simmons? One or two years, or three? You're probably only gonna get him for two, max."

Simmons is already past that 30-year mark where concern begins in the NFL, but he still turned in a Pro Bowl year in 2023 with the Denver Broncos. Considering that the Steelers are already heading into 2024 with the most expensive defense in the league, Foster may have a point in his conditions for bringing in someone like Simmons. 

The price for a veteran safety who brings in experience and multiple Pro Bowl seasons won't be cheap, but there's no guessing what Omar Khan will end up pulling off.

The Steelers signed former Baltimore Ravens' safety DeShon Elliot to a two-year deal earlier in free agency. The 26-year-old, who played with the Dolphins in 2023, will be aiming to compete for the spot beside Fitzpatrick along with Demontae Kazee. If the Steelers consider their current position room, and whoever they potentially add during the 2024 NFL Draft, to be enough, then Simmons may not be on their radar. 

However, if Foster is correct, then Pittsburgh signing Simmons would truly be a sign to the fans that this team is playing for a Super Bowl.

Steelers pay their defense handsomely

There are high expectations for the 2024 Steelers' defense, and for good reason. T.J. Watt leads the squad as one of the best defenders of his generation, and the defensive roster is filled with talent. Whether the spotlight is on veterans like Watt or Cameron Heyward or on younger players like Joey Porter Jr. or Keeanu Benton, there is plenty of reason to believe in them.

The Steelers are spending more money on defense than any team in the league: A whopping $158M. That puts the burden of success squarely on a group that is more than capable of handling the pressure. Watt should have won the 2023 DPOY, and Porter Jr. was up for 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year, so they are earning their accolades. That isn't what they are paid to accomplish, though, and every single defensive player knows that.

Pittsburgh is spending $64.8M on its offense compared to the defense. This stark contrast means that when the offense stumbles, the team fully expects the defense to step in and do its job. 

On paper, the quarterback room of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson could be successful, but in case not, they have a defense ready to take the reins. Considering how much the team has invested in them, that is a reasonable expectation.