Report: Broncos S Justin Simmons 'Vulnerable' to 2024 Trade

Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is among a select few who are "most vulnerable" to being traded during the 2024 offseason, ESPN's Dan Graziano reported last Friday.

Graziano also named wide receiver Courtland Sutton and left tackle Garett Bolles — two of the team's highest-paid players, both the subject of recent trade speculation — as potential departures next year.

"It feels odd to include a guy who just won AFC Defensive Player of the Week, with an interception, a fumble recovery and two tackles against the Chiefs," he wrote of Simmons. "But while the Broncos didn't unload any of their big contracts at the trade deadline, there's certainly a chance they look to do it in the offseason. Simmons turns 30 this month and is scheduled to earn $14.5 million (non-guaranteed) next season in the final year of his contract. Denver would incur a minimal $3.75 million in dead money and save that $14.5 million if they cut or traded him."

"There are a lot of these kinds of decisions to be made next offseason in Denver, where the Broncos currently project to be over the cap and are saddled with a massive hit from the Russell Wilson deal," Graziano continued. "But Simmons' contract -- along with those of guys like Garett Bolles and Courtland Sutton -- are among the most vulnerable.

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Though it doesn't show in his current Pro Football Focus ranking (No. 69 out of 87 safeties), Simmons is enjoying another strong season as the captain of Denver's secondary. He's tied for the club lead in interceptions (2), tied for third in pass breakups (2), and is, as Graziano mentioned, fresh off his best 2023 performance to date amid the Broncos' Week 8 upset of Kansas City.

The victory — their first over the Chiefs since 2015 — came two days prior to the Oct. 31 trade deadline. The Broncos, despite persistent chatter indicating otherwise, opted to stand entirely pat on Halloween, retaining the likes of Simmons, Sutton, Bolles, and other foundational assets.

"I think we have the talent on the team as is, and we can definitely make this thing happen," Simmons told reporters after the game. "That’s above my pay grade. I’m just going to keep showing up for this team and keep trying to find ways to lead and to win and to help my side of the ball be the best that we can be to help us win. If you’re asking me if I love the guys that we have in the room right now and the building, 100 percent. I think we can definitely do it.”

But while Simmons and his ilk are safe now, that doesn't mean they will be later, when the Broncos face difficult, unavoidable, cap-related decisions. One of which could mean the exit of their longest-tenured player.

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