The Broncos may lose a number of position groups throughout this summer. Though it doesn’t seem like one, Justin Simmons can still be someone to keep an eye on financially.
The two-time Pro Bowler has a four-year, $61 million contract in place. Under that contract, Simmons has one year left and is owed $14.5 million. But none of that sum is assured, and in 2024, he will be subject to a $18.25MM cap hit. Therefore, a step could be taken to reduce the latter number.
Regarding Simmons’ contract, “some action is likely,” according to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post. In the event that the Broncos decide to stick with the seasoned ballhawk, that may come in the shape of a restructuring or extension. Although a trade would also provide Denver more financial freedom, the defence would suffer greatly from Simmons’ absence. It would be surprising if the Broncos actively sought to move on the former third-round pick given his longevity and output.
For 2023, Simmons recorded three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. For the fourth time in his career, such stats contributed to him being named to the second team of the All-Pro, proving his continuous ability to provide elite play. At thirty, the Broncos would probably be better off investing in him for another few years than in several other ageing choices at the position.
Gabriel points out that P.J. Locke is the lone Broncos safety who is scheduled to go undrafted in March. Financially speaking, making any sort of move with Simmons would provide more clarity and would even free up money to keep Locke, who performed admirably in his role as Kareem Jackson’s replacement. Beyond Simmons at safety on Denver’s depth chart, not many reliable players are listed (Caden Sterns, JL Skinner, and Delarrin Turner-Yell).
Before the deadline, the Broncos were the focus of multiple trade calls, and wideouts Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy were once more available. There was interest in Simmons as well, but purchasers naturally decided not to take on the remaining portion of his deal. Several teams, including Denver, are now projected to be over the cap, necessitating cost-cutting measures in the upcoming days and weeks. The Broncos probably wouldn’t want to go down this route with Simmons, but it’s worth keeping an eye on things to see if a new arrangement can be reached to lessen the impact of his deal.
