It cost two franchise labels, but the Denver Broncos are finally getting a deal with the safety of Justin Simmons.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday that the Broncos and Simmons are finalizing a long-term contract, according to sources informed of the situation.
The multi-year agreement has been in the works for years. John Elway used the franchise label on Simmons last year, hoping it would be a placeholder. Sides could not reach an agreement before the July deadline, forcing the star’s safety to play on the one-year tender.
New Broncos GM George Paton has once again branded Simmons this year to keep him out of the open market.
This time, a long-term solution comes together quickly.
Simmons’ deal is expected to make him the highest paid security in the NFL, and he’s worth every penny.
The long, athletic ball falcon is a force that changes. Simmons, ideally in the coach, Vic Fangio, can cover in space, recover quickly with the back and dive against the flight. There are few, if any, holes in his game.
Simmons has been one of the three players since 2018 with 250 plus tackles and 10 plus INTs (Vikings ‘Harrison Smith and Titans’ Kevin Byard). Simmons is the only player with 250 tackles and 12 INTs during the team, according to NFL Research.
Not only is he a dynamic playmaker, but Simmons does not miss plays either. The 27-year-old has played every defensive turn since the beginning of 2018 (3,067), the longest active series by any player, according to Next GenStats (including playoffs).
Closing Simmons has been a Broncos priority for years. Eventually, the deal is finalized, retaining Fangio’s long-term defense in Denver.