Key Takeaways:
– Denver Broncos decide to release All-Pro safety, Justin Simmons, in order to save $14.5 million against their salary cap.
– Denver is forced to make this decision due to Russell Wilson’s dead cap hit.
– Simmons had an impactful career with the Denver Broncos, being nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his dedication towards the community.
The Denver Broncos, taking vital steps towards managing their budget against the impending free agency, have decided to release their All-Pro safety player, Justin Simmons, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. According to this report from [heavy.com](https://heavy.com/sports/denver-broncos/denver-broncos-release-justin-simmons/) this decision occurs as part of the Broncos’ continuing endeavors to sit back under the salary cap.
Unraveling Simmons’ Impact
The gifted safety has been a vital asset to the Denver Broncos, proving his worth on and off the field over eight seasons with the organization. The Broncos paid a heartfelt tribute to Simmons in their statement, lauding his contributions to their cause along with his influence as an All-Pro and team captain.
Simmons’ influence was not limited to the field, he was a continual nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year title, given to the player for his outstanding impact in the community. Justin actively spent time inspiring and mentoring countless youth, and his work at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club has not gone unnoticed.
Peeling Back His Career
Embarking upon his NFL journey from the 2016 draft, Simmons represented the Broncos in the Pro Bowl twice, in 2020 and 2023. He played a pivotal role in the team for eight seasons, having started in 13 games in 2017 after superseding T.J. Ward, the former Broncos Super Bowl-winning safety.
Despite the Denver offense’s lackluster performance under Russell Wilson and head coach Nathaniel Hackett, in 2022, Simmons notably led the NFL with six interceptions in just 12 games. During his tenure with the Broncos, he amassed impressive stats with 30 interceptions, 64 knocked down passes, five forced fumbles, and 604 tackles from the secondary.
Simmons’ Future Prospects
Following his significant contribution to the Denver Broncos, news of Simmons’ release has led to speculations about him possibly joining a Super Bowl contending team to enjoy the taste of the postseason. James Palmer of the NFL Network suggested that the Philadelphia Eagles could be a potential destination for the 30-year-old.
Filling Simmons’ Shoes
With Kareem Jackson’s departure during the previous season and now Simmons’ release, the Broncos find themselves needing new safety duos. Some possibilities to fill that void are veteran safety P.J. Locke, who showed satisfactory performance in the previous season, and the likes of Caden Sterns, JL Skinner, and Delarrin Turner-Yell, young potentials drafted by the team in recent years.
The Denver Broncos face a challenging task of signing a high-priced free agent safety or finding the replacement within their current roster or through an early draft. As the team continues to navigate their way towards a better future, Simmons’ legacy undeniably leaves a lasting impact in Denver. The Broncos, and their fans, will now eagerly await what the future holds in store following their star player’s departure.