The Denver Broncos’ top safety Justin Simmons’ future will be debated as they get ready for NFL free agency to begin.
In 2024, Simmons’ pay will be subject to a $18.25 million wage cap. It seems improbable that the Broncos would release him and save $14.5 million. Denver might try to rework the safety’s contract; a trade is another (less common) option that could be taken into consideration.
With only one year left on his current deal, it’s difficult to think that the Broncos will be a serious Super Bowl contender in that one-year period.
In order to keep Simmons from becoming a free agent in 2025, Denver may offer him an extension. However, given the team’s current salary cap constraints, it might not be prudent to offer a multi-year agreement to a player who will turn 32 in 2025.
It could be wise to deal Simmons while he still has trade value if the Broncos are planning to rebuild in order to obtain further draft capital and clear salary cap space. Although Simmons is a fantastic player and, by all accounts, an even better person, it wouldn’t be an easy choice, but it might be the best one for the long-term project in Denver.
