Denver Broncos general manager George Paton wasn’t specifically asked during his introductory press conference Tuesday if he will give safety Justin Simmons a contract extension. Paton was asked when he will begin making “tough decisions” on players including Simmons and outside linebacker Von Miller.
“I think all of those tough decisions start when I can meet with the coaches and the scouting staff, and that’s where you get your plan for the offseason,” Paton said. “That’s when it starts. I haven’t been with the coaches yet, I haven’t been with the scouts yet. So until you have your meetings and get your plan for the offseason and you develop your needs and how we’re going to fill them … that’s when it all starts.”
Simmons (6-2, 202 pounds) is a 27-year-old safety who was selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Boston College. Simmons played primarily as a backup defensive back and special teams contributor as a rookie before emerging as a starter in 2017.
After totaling two sacks and seven interceptions through his first three seasons, Simmons had a breakout year in 2019. Simmons recorded 85 tackles, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions in his fourth season.
Denver failed to sign Simmons to a multi-year extension last offseason, opting to instead give him a one-year, $11.441 million franchise tag. Playing on the tag, Simmons totaled 94 tackles, nine pass breakups and five interceptions in 2020.
Simmons is now scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent again in March. After reaching the Pro Bowl last season, Simmons will hope to receive a contract that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties.
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