Broncos Release Pro Bowl S Justin Simmons
Signaling the beginning of a wholesale rebuild, the Denver Broncos released veteran star safety Justin Simmons, the team announced Thursday.
"Justin Simmons' impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization," the Broncos said in a statement. "In addition to growing into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year devoted to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change. Whether it was in Denver or his hometown of Stuart, Florida, Justin inspired and mentored countless youth while providing unwavering support to the community. The hundreds of hours he spent at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club will be as much a part of Justin's legacy with the Broncos as his leadership, dependability and many interceptions.
"Justin will always be a Bronco, and we thank him for the outstanding manner in which he represented our organization on and off the field. We wish Justin, his wife Taryn, and their children Laney, Shae and Kyler the very best in the future."
Among the sport's elite center-fielders, Simmons leads the NFL in interceptions (30) since joining Denver as a 2016 third-round pick — a span of 108 career starts. He's added 443 solo tackles, 64 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and one touchdown over that time.
Set to turn 31 in November, Simmons — a four-time second-team All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowler, and annual defensive captain — should find a robust free-agent market and quickly land on his feet.
As for the Broncos, they'll save $14.5 million in salary-cap space by parting with Simmons, leaving behind $3.75 million in dead money. It's the second major move this week for the cap-strapped club, which cut quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday. More such transactions are expected.
Denver is likely to re-sign S PJ Locke in the wake of Simmons' departure, though this position surely will be addressed via next month's draft.
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