Justin Simmons is arguably the most coveted free agent left on the market, at least on the defensive side of the ball.

The two-time Pro Bowl safety will visit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. During his visit, he will encounter some familiar faces who might help sway his decision.

Joe Woods is entering his second season as the Saints defensive coordinator but was with the Denver Broncos from 2015-18. Woods served as Denver’s defensive backs coach in 2015 and 2016, and Simmons was selected by the Broncos in the third round with the 98th overall pick in the latter year.

The Boston College product had four passes defended and two interceptions as a rookie before becoming a full-time starter in 2017 during Woods’ first season as Denver’s defensive coordinator. Woods’ final season in the Mile High City was in 2018, when Simmons tied for the team lead in interceptions (three) and was second in combined tackles (97).

Marcus Robertson — a one-time All-Pro safety himself — was hired as the Broncos defensive backs coach when Woods moved to defensive coordinator. Robertson spent two seasons in the position with Denver and is now in the same role with New Orleans.

Simmons built on his solid first three seasons and broke out with four interceptions and a career-high 15 passes defended in 2019 to earn second-team All-Pro honors for the first time. Simmons continued his shut-down play in the Broncos secondary and has become one of the best defensive backs over the past five years.

He earned Pro Bowl nods in 2020 and 2023 and made three straight second-team All-Pro squads from 2021-23. Simmons tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions in 2022.

ESPN’s Katherine Terrell noted how much money the Saints have to work with in case they decide to pursue Simmons seriously.