The Broncos would like to sign safety Justin Simmons to a long-term contract extension this offseason but if the two sides are unable to reach agreeable terms, a one-year franchise tag will be among Denver’s options.
The franchise tag for safeties next season will be worth around $12 million. That’s nearly three times more than what Simmons earned over four years on his rookie contract, according to Spotrac.com.
Players sometimes have a disdain for franchise tags and hold out, hoping for a long-term commitment. If the Broncos tag Simmons, it sounds like he would be willing to honor a one-year deal.
“If I could just be a part of [Vic Fangio’s defense] for one more season, I’m all on board for that,” Simmons said on KOA Radio on Tuesday, via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. “Because all you need is one season. Like you said, the 49ers weren’t even in [the playoffs] last year. I think we found our quarterback. I know we have a great defensive unit. If we could just find a way to d it one more year I think it’d be something special.”
Simmons would obviously prefer a long-term deal but he would be willing to play on a franchise tag and then go from there. John Elway, Denver’s general manager, hopes the two sides can reach a multi-year agreement.
“Obviously, we have the franchise option there, but we’d like to get something done with Justin for the long term,” Elway said in December.
