After placing a one-year franchise tag on Justin Simmons, the Broncos have until July 15 to reach a long-term extension with the safety. If the team doesn’t sign Simmons to an extension before then, he will have to play the 2020 season on the franchise tag before becoming a free agent in 2021.
Speaking to media members during a Zoom conference call on Thursday, fellow Denver safety Kareem Jackson emphasized how important it is for Simmons to stay with the team beyond this season.
“Justin is one of the guys that I talk to pretty much every day,” Jackson said. “We have a great relationship outside of football. I think everyone on this call right now thinks he should get paid. With the franchise tag, hopefully they get a deal done before the deadline. I think his work — what he does on the field — is self-explanatory. He’s in great spirit. Obviously just knowing that we’ll get him back whether he’ll have a long-term deal — I’m sure he’ll want one. It just has stability with having that long-term deal as opposed to playing on a one-year under the tag.”
Last season, Simmons totaled 93 tackles and four interceptions. It wasn’t a one-year fluke.
“I have no doubt that he can go out and have the same year, an even better year, than he had this year,” Jackson said. “He’s definitely one of those guys that’s the heart and soul of our defense. He’s a leader. He’s great in the locker room. He’s in great spirits.
“I just hope they get a deal done for him.”
