After the release of Justin Simmons by the Denver Broncos on Thursday, left tackle Garett Bolles became the longest-tenured player on the team. Technically, wide receiver Tim Patrick also joined the team in 2017, but he joined the squad mid-season on the practice squad.
Simmons had been the longest-tenured player on the Broncos (eight years) — he was selected by Denver in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. Simmons had been one of the most productive and steady defensive players on the Broncos since he came to the team. Simmons had endured five different head coaches (Gary Kubiak, Vance Joseph, Vic Fangio, Nathaniel Hackett and Sean Payton) during his time in the orange and blue.
Now, Bolles takes the place as the oldest current player on the franchise, at seven years. Bolles was the Broncos’ first-round selection in the 2017 NFL draft, and despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2022, has been a steady face on an ever-changing offensive line. Bolles has been a favorite of Denver media and fans.
Bolles may be a candidate to have his contract restructured in order for the Broncos to get under the salary cap before the league new year begins on March 13.
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