Super Bowl Favorite Best Fit for Broncos’ $61M All-Pro
In an ideal scenario, the Denver Broncos would not be contemplating the release of safety Justin Simmons after his third straight NFL All-Pro selection in 2023.
However, circumstances have changed, and Simmons, who appears to be at his career peak, is currently a free agent. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggests that the San Francisco 49ers, a top contender for this season’s Super Bowl, would be an excellent fit for Simmons.
“It’s somewhat surprising that Justin Simmons is still available,” Holder noted. “The Denver Broncos were facing cap constraints at the start of the offseason, leading to Simmons’ release primarily due to his substantial contract. This shouldn’t be an issue now. Additionally, Simmons, an eight-year veteran, has a strong track record of health and was productive last season. The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, are expected to start Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown at safety. Hufanga is recovering from a torn ACL, and while Brown had a promising rookie year, adding another veteran during training camp could provide a valuable starting option.”
The 49ers have appeared in the Super Bowl twice in the last five seasons, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs both times. On each occasion, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes exploited San Francisco’s secondary and was named Super Bowl MVP. Given this history, it might be wise for the 49ers to consider using some of their $31.5 million in cap space to acquire one of the NFL’s top defensive backs.
Simmons: An Exceptional Player on Struggling Teams
Despite not reaching the playoffs in eight seasons and having only one winning season (9-7 in 2016), Simmons has been named to the NFL All-Pro Team four times, including the last three seasons.
A third-round pick from Boston College in 2016, Simmons led the NFL with six interceptions in 2022, even though he missed a career-high five games due to injury.
Simmons played under the franchise tag in 2020, earning $11.4 million, and became the highest-paid safety in the NFL before the 2021 season with a four-year, $61 million contract extension.
At the time of his release, Simmons was the longest-tenured player on the Broncos roster, with 118 career games. His release freed up $14.5 million in cap space for the Broncos, who are facing an NFL record $85 million in dead money over the next two seasons.
“Justin Simmons’ impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization,” the Broncos said in a statement. “In addition to becoming an All-Pro and team captain, Justin emerged as our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, dedicated to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change.”
Who Will Replace Simmons in the Broncos’ Lineup?
The Broncos have replaced Simmons at free safety with Brandon Jones, who signed a three-year, $20 million contract in March 2024 after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins.
Jones started only six games for the Dolphins in 2023 but recorded a career-high two interceptions and four pass breakups.
Leave a Reply