The Denver Broncos are making headlines in the NFL. First, it was releasing its former quarterback, Russell Wilson. Now they have released All-Pro safety Justin Simmons. The team is making this decision to free up cap space before the NFL Draft and the 2024 season. Denver is trying to rebound from a down year (8-9) in 2023 under head coach, Sean Payton.
Denver Broncos Release Safety Justin Simmons After Eight Seasons
Broncos are releasing former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons after eight seasons in Denver, per league sources.
Moving on from Simmons, who went to the Pro Bowl last season, will save the Broncos $14.5 million against their salary cap. pic.twitter.com/AnBnuOVOlQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2024
Former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons played eight seasons with the organization. This move is opening up $14.5 million dollars in cap space for the Broncos. Last season in 2023, Simmons had a combined 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and two forced fumbles for the Denver Broncos. Releasing Justin Simmons is a big move, but it is saving the Broncos money in the long run to build back up for this upcoming season.
Simmons Stats With The Denver Broncos
Throughout his eight-year career, Simmons played in three different spots on the field for the Broncos. He partially played in the slot (15%), tight on the defensive line (29%), and at deep safety (54%). The All-Pro safety played over 1,000 snaps in the slot, over 2,000 in the box, and over 3,000 plays in the defensive backfield. He will be missed in Denver for his playmaking ability as a veteran.
Free agency is open for teams to pick up players. Some of the releases that have taken place are shocking to many fans of the National Football League. It will be interesting to see where some of the big-name players will end up to start the 2024 season. Justin Simmons won the Super Bowl 50 in 2016 with the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning at quarterback.
Denver Broncos Released Russell Wilson
Denver released quarterback Russell Wilson just two days ago. This once again, is helping with the cap space for the Broncos to pick up players that they feel will be suitable for their team. Wilson’s numbers were not a bright spot during the two seasons under center. He was sacked 55 times while playing for the Denver Broncos. At that time, the organization was led by a different head coach, Nathaniel Hackett.
Russell Wilson is coming of age in the NFL. He still believed that he could play up to his potential with the Denver Broncos. The fans felt good about having Wilson as their quarterback until his play proved otherwise when he was traded to Denver in 2022. He started to drop off in his last season with the Seahawks, but he still had hope for a future in the league. He still may be able to go on to another football team, but with Wilson and Simmons now away from the Denver Broncos, the organization will have to start fresh in 2024 with more available cap space!
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James has been a sports writer for 2 years. He is a close follower of College Sports, the NFL, and MLB. Fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Green Bay Packers, and the Atlanta Braves.
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