By Jordan Long
The Denver Broncos are 4-6 and are preparing to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Denver needs to decide on safety Justin Simmons. He is scheduled to be a free agent but Denver can place the franchise tag on him once again if they choose to do so.
Simmons has been with the Broncos since they drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft. For the past 3 years, Simmons has been the Broncos’ starting free safety. He can come on blitzes to rush the quarterback. He mainly plays in pass coverage. He is the last line of defense if the cornerbacks are beaten but when Simmons is in position, he will take down the receiver.
Simmons had a career year last year playing in all 16 games for Denver. He racked up 93 tackles with a career-high 4 interceptions. Simmons also totaled 15 passes defended. He was a free agent last year and Denver had the chance to reach a long-term contract with him. Denver decided to give him the franchise tag which gave them more time to reach a new agreement with him. Unfortunately, Denver didn’t but Simmons played on the franchise tag which meant this season was going to be a contract year for him to prove to the Broncos he deserves a new deal.
Simmons has done more than enough this year to show he deserves to stay in Denver. Through 10 games, he is most likely going to surpass his numbers from last season. Simmons totaled 65 tackles and 7 passes defended. On Sunday his game sealing interception against the Miami Dolphins gave Simmons 4 for the year, matching his highest total. Denver needs to pay him.
The Broncos should offer him an agreement for him to stick around for years to come. It could be around $13 to $14 million per year, meaning Simmons’ might be the highest-paid safety in the league.
The Broncos will talk to him once the season is over. The Broncos have a few options. They could reach a new deal with him which would keep Simmons in Denver. If that doesn’t happen, the Broncos may place the franchise tag on him again giving them more time to talk with Simmons. The final option which probably won’t happen is if they think he is too expensive, let him test free agency.
The Broncos need to keep Simmons past this year. He is only going to improve his game. Simmons is also 27 years old, in the prime of his career. Denver can’t give up on him. The choice is on Denver Broncos’ General Manager John Elway to make it happen for Simmons to stay put.
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