Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is having a breakout season at just the right time. Simmons is about to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020 and his big year will ensure that he gets a big raise on his next contract.
Simmons has been recognized by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, who named the safety to USA TODAY’s all-breakout team earlier this week.
“Only turning 26 later in November, Simmons looks like the new cornerstone of the secondary — so long as John Elway is able to re-sign him,” Middlehurtst-Schwartz wrote.
Simmons’ four-year rookie contract was worth about $4.7 million and he will probably earn more than that in the first year alone of his next deal.
Since being selected by Denver in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Boston College, Simmons has totaled 248 tackles, two sacks and nine interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Other players on the breakout list include Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin.
