That extravagant dead-cap hit from Russell Wilson has the Broncos purging their roster.
Denver announced Thursday it released second team All-Pro safety Justin Simmons in a move that saves the team $14.5 million in cap space, in response to NFL.com.
Simmons is now one among the highest free-agent safeties, alongside the Giants’ Xavier McKinney.
“Justin Simmons’ impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization,” the Broncos said in a press release on their website. “Along with growing into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the 12 months dedicated to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change.”
The Broncos are within the tough spot of attempting to navigate the historic $85 million in dead money from after they eventually release Wilson later this month, including $35.4 million this yr, per Spotrac.com.
Spotrac has Denver over the cap even after releasing Simmons, who costs $3.75 million in dead money.
While Simmons, 30, remains to be a superb player, having earned three straight second team All-Pro honors, the Broncos felt paying an aging safety premium dollars just isn’t a sensible move for them of their rebuild.
Simmons ought to be a beautiful piece for contenders who need assistance within the secondary, including the Lions, Packers and Eagles — and even perhaps the Giants.
He led the NFL in interceptions in 2022 and has made two Pro Bowls.
The Broncos thanked him of their statement for all his work locally during his eight years with the team after being chosen within the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Boston College.
Simmons had been the team’s longest-tenured player.
“Justin will all the time be a Bronco, and we thank him for the outstanding manner wherein he represented our organization on and off the sphere,” the Broncos said of their statement. “We wish Justin, his wife Taryn, and their children Laney, Shae and Kyler the best possible in the longer term.”