Yahoo Finance Broncos, safety Justin Simmons reach 4-year deal to make him highest paid safety in NFL
Justin Simmons just got paid.
The Broncos and their star safety agreed to a new four-year deal on Friday, the team announced. Though they didn’t reveal specifics about the new contract, it is reportedly worth $61 million, according to ESPN. At $15.25 million per year, Simmons is now the highest-paid safety in the league.
"We're thrilled to reach a long-term agreement with Justin Simmons," general manager George Paton said in a statement. "He is the complete package as both an elite player for the Broncos and a leader in our community. As a free safety, Justin has every tool you need to be the best. He is a smart, instinctive playmaker who can cover a lot of ground with his athletic ability.
"Justin's a great fit for our defense, and with the speed of today's game — especially in our division — he is exactly what you need in a safety. We look forward to him helping us win and making a positive impact on the Broncos for a long time."
Simmons’ deal surpasses Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker’s, who signed a then-record-setting four-year deal that paid him $14.75 million a season last September.
Simmons recorded 96 total tackles last season, one off his career high, and had five interceptions. The 27-year-old, who Denver selected in the third round of the 2016 draft, hasn’t missed a snap for the team in three years and recorded at least 90 tackles in all three seasons.
The Broncos had placed the franchise tag on Simmons earlier this month, after using it on him last season.
“It’s gonna be something special.”
🗣 @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/JCvJ6ar2nW— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 20, 2021
“I can’t begin to tell you guys how excited I am to be back another four years, and it’s going to be something special,” Simmons said. “I can’t wait to get back to winning, getting back to the playoffs, and I’m just so excited to be back with you guys. Thank you guys for embracing the five years, and I’m looking forward to the four.”
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