In an ideal scenario, the Denver Broncos would never have had to contemplate releasing Justin Simmons, especially after he achieved his third consecutive NFL All-Pro recognition in 2023.
However, circumstances have led to Simmons finding himself without a team at what appears to be the peak of his career—a career that, according to Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, he should continue with the San Francisco 49ers, a team considered one of the frontrunners for this season’s Super Bowl.
“It’s somewhat surprising that Justin Simmons remains available,” Holder noted. “The Denver Broncos faced cap constraints at the start of the offseason, leading to his release primarily due to his substantial contract, which is less of a concern now. Additionally, the eight-year veteran has a relatively clean injury history and maintained high productivity last season. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are slated to start Talanoa Hufanga and Ji’Ayir Brown at safety. Hufanga is recovering from an ACL tear, and although Brown showed promise as a rookie, adding another seasoned option during training camp could bolster their starting lineup.”
The 49ers have appeared in two of the past five Super Bowls, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2019 and 2023 seasons. On both occasions, they struggled against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who exploited weaknesses in San Francisco’s secondary and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
Given this history, it makes sense for the 49ers to consider using their $31.5 million in cap space to secure one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs.
Simmons, despite enduring eight seasons without a playoff berth and only one winning campaign (9-7 in 2016), earned All-Pro honors four times during his tenure with the Broncos, including the past three seasons. Selected in the third round from Boston College in 2016, Simmons led the NFL with 6 interceptions in 2022, despite missing a career-high five games due to injury.
After playing the 2020 season on the franchise tag, earning $11.4 million, Simmons became the NFL’s highest-paid safety with a 4-year, $61 million extension before the 2021 season. At the time of his release, Simmons was the longest-tenured Bronco, having played 118 career games. The move provided the Broncos with $14.5 million in cap relief, crucial as they face an NFL-record $85 million in dead money over the next two seasons.
Reflecting on Simmons’ impact, the Broncos acknowledged his contributions both on and off the field. “Justin Simmons’ influence as a Denver Bronco extends well beyond his exceptional on-field performance over eight seasons with our organization,” the team stated in a release. “In addition to evolving into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, dedicated to uplifting others and leveraging his platform for positive change.”
In the Broncos’ lineup, Simmons has been replaced at free safety by Brandon Jones, signed to a 3-year, $20 million contract in March 2024 after four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Jones, who started just six games for the Dolphins in 2023, recorded a career-high 2 interceptions and 4 pass breakups during that time.
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