Broncos Offer Contract to Free-Agent S Kareem Jackson
Heading into his 14th year of NFL service, former Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson remains an unrestricted free agent, toiling away on the open market. But it isn't for a lack of effort from the team.
Jackson told 9NEWS' Mike Klis on Wednesday that Denver extended a contract offer within the last week that "hasn't yet enticed him enough to accept, at least not yet."
"He does hope something can be worked out soon," Klis said of Jackson, who's spoken to Broncos head coach Sean Payton about a potential return.
A 2010 first-round pick, Jackson spent his entire career with the Houston Texans before joining the Broncos in 2019, inking a three-year, $33 million deal. Converting from cornerback, he's since started 61 of a possible 66 games opposite All-Pro defensive back Justin Simmons and served as a co-captain the past two seasons.
Jackson, 35, is a locker-room leader and proved valuable in run support despite his advanced age — he's collected 232 solo tackles since arriving — but has become a liability against the pass. Pro Football Focus graded Jackson as the No. 52 safety among 88 qualifiers in 2022, including a paltry 60.9 coverage rating.
Jackson conveyed earlier this offseason that he prefers to play for a Super Bowl contender in 2023, which may explain the reticence to re-sign with Denver.
"I mean, I understand age and all that stuff, which is to me crazy when it comes to all that," he said in March on Good Morning Football. "If you're playing at a high level, you're playing at a high level, regardless of your age. I mean, definitely, I'd definitely love a chance to win a ring. 14 years, played in the playoffs a couple times, but to not have been in the playoffs the last four years, I would definitely love to be in a team that's a contender."
If brought back, Jackson likely would assume a pinch role under new Broncos defensive boss Vance Joseph, his former position coach in Houston.
The club tentatively has Caden Sterns listed as a starter, though Sterns could miss the start of training camp after undergoing hip surgery last year, Klis reported.
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