Report: Broncos Re-Sign Playmaking Safety to Help Replace Justin Simmons
As anticipated, the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with young veteran safety P.J. Locke, brining him back to help bolster a secondary still reeling from the loss of Justin Simmons. Ian Rapoport broke the news on Sunday morning.
"Source: The #Broncos are bringing back one of their own, signing safety PJ Locke to a 2-year deal worth $7M base and a max value of $9M. Justin Simmons out, Locke is back," Rapoport reported on X.
Developed by the Broncos after going undrafted in 2019, it took Locke some time to find his NFL footing. With Vic Fangio, Locke was a find but relegated mostly to a special teams role.
Each year, Locke seemed to find a way to grow his role slightly. Last season under Vance Joseph, the former Texas Longhorn finally had his opportunity, and he capitalized fully.
Kareem Jackson found himself on the wrong side of the law with the NFL, and Caden Sterns was lost for the season. The Broncos tried their luck with Delarrin Turner-Yell to pitiful results.
When the pendulum finally swung to Locke, he stepped into the starting lineup next to Simmons and never looked back. Locke had a three-game stretch where he notched a sack in each, becoming the first Broncos safety to achieve that feat.
Locke also displayed that lunchpail physicality and a nose for the ball. He finished the 2023 season having appeared in 12 games with eight starts and totaling 84 tackles (51 solo), three sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and five pass break-ups.
At 27 years old, the Broncos get Locke for the final two years of his prime. Who know? Perhaps by the time his deal expires, the team will have found a permanent successor to Simmons.
It might be Sterns, who's coming back for a contract year after missing the better part of the past two seasons with some injury misfortune. It might be Locke, too.
Simmons left some big shoes to fill and Locke can only try. He's got some credibility with his defensive teammates now.
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