The Russell Wilson fallout continues for the Denver Broncos.
After releasing their quarterback, the Broncos will have to eat $85 million worth of “dead money” spread over the next two seasons. That has left Denver to make some tough decisions as the team now needs to create more salary cap space, first to get under the cap, then to add new players.
The latest domino to fall is the release of star safety Justin Simmons, a move that will save the team $14.5 million in cap space this season. It’s a cut that many fans did not see coming — Simmons has led the NFL with 30 interceptions since he entered the league in 2016 and he was the Broncos’ longest-tenured player.
A four-time second-team All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, Simmons was a star on the field and a class act off the field. Simmons was active in the community and he will be greatly missed by fans in Denver.
Here’s a sampling of how Twitter/X reacted to the Simmons news on Thursday.
ð±ð±ð±
Os Broncos liberaram o safety Justin Simmons, per @AdamSchefter. https://t.co/3RCIcJXfQY
— Mile High Brasil (@MileHighBrasil) March 7, 2024
Big time pro both on and off the field! https://t.co/BDT3lWPF4k
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) March 7, 2024
Ramification of the Wilson deal. I hope Justin gets on a winning team he deserves to win.! https://t.co/GmGE0rJxr0
— Jeff Howe (@sportsdenver) March 7, 2024
Really great run in Denver. But cap realities set in … https://t.co/0q2hk09Pj0
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 7, 2024
The release of S Justin Simmons opens up $14.5M of cap space for the #Broncos, who have a fairly sizable dead cap hit forthcoming this June.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 7, 2024
#broncos are now about $2m over the salary cap
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) March 7, 2024
If the Broncos are going to be a good team this year, they have to be like the Packers of last year (while carrying $40 million for Aaron Rodgers): they have to have young (cheap) players contribute significantly and greatly outperform their contract level. https://t.co/aSvw6paPVX
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) March 7, 2024
Justin Simmons has more interceptions (30) than any other player in football since he entered the league in 2016. He was the longest-tenured player on Denver's roster. Broncos now moving on as Simmons becomes latest veteran safety to hit the open market.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) March 7, 2024
It's a sad, dark day in #BroncosCountry.
— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) March 7, 2024
If you're a fan of the player, the release is better than a trade. Simmons will get to pick where he lands next.
Shoutout to him for amazing play and awesome community work in Denver. Somebody is going to get a hell of a safety and person.
— Joey Richards (@JRDrafts) March 7, 2024
Justin Simmons was a really good Broncos player and great for the Denver community. But releasing him is the right move. Best of luck to him but good move on the Broncos part & it's just the beginning.
— Josh Dover (@JoshuaDover) March 7, 2024
Broncos officially in rebuild mode.
Hard to imagine them being that competitive this season, especially without Simmons on the backend.
Feel for #BroncosCountry
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) March 7, 2024
This is business, but it's a huge bummer. Justin is a total pro, a strong leader through tough years, and 1 of 1 in the community. https://t.co/CGwhUppNsK
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) March 7, 2024
From a business standpoint, I get it, but what a loss for the community/fanbase/roster.
JSimms is the best. Wishing him all the happiness and success.
— Bri ð¦ (@BriMaestas303) March 7, 2024
I obviously know WHY the @broncos are making this move. The Great Purge is upon us. But I'm gonna miss this guy. He's the epitome of a professional - on and off the field. Best of luck @jsimms1119. The community will miss you. (Obligatory aggrandizing photo below) pic.twitter.com/4rADTnGmVW
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) March 7, 2024
From a non-Broncos lens, I'm very happy for Simmons
He's a remarkable talent and human and he's never gotten to play in a single playoff game and that wouldn't have changed in 2024 if not for a move like this
Could easily join a team like PHI and chase a Super Bowl!
— Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars) March 7, 2024
Tough few days for some of the NFL's most decorated safeties:
Kevin Byard, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Jordan Poyer and now Justin Simmons have all been released. #9sports— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) March 7, 2024
Total 2024 salary shed now at safety has now crossed nine figures, at $103.25M.
I don't know if I can ever remember any single position in any other season suffer this much cutting. pic.twitter.com/ScEhW3mpAF
— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) March 7, 2024
So many teams need safeties, and so many safeties on the market.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 7, 2024
The Broncos will now need to find two starting safeties ahead of the 2024 season. Simmons has been released and P.J. Locke is scheduled to become a free agent on Wednesday. Let the rebuild begin.
