Denver Broncos must extend Justin Simmons now

The Denver Broncos are going to have tough decisions to make at the end of the season with one being Justin Simmons at safety.

Justin Simmons is one of the most gifted players on the Denver Broncos roster. He can win plays with his pure athleticism.

Simmons’ first year was a clear sign he was headed in the right direction, but he was forced to play out of position numerous occasions under the old staff. This unfortunately put Simmons out of his comfort zone.

It resulted in miscommunication with the entire defense and tackling becoming an issue.

The talent is clear with Simmons. He has all the makings to be a top-flight safety in the NFL. There’s no potential player at the position with his height and measurements that’s capable of doing things he does.

Simmons has the right height to match with a tight end or even wide receiver. It was a few years ago, but Simmons’ leaping interception against former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper was jaw-dropping. Even now Cooper is regarded as one of the best possession wideouts and Simmons out-jumped Cooper for the interception.

Fast forward to this season, it seems Simmons is making incredible strides in reading and reacting during camp and preseason. Simmons is playing a true free safety giving him the ability to read a quarterback and make the necessary break to make a game-changing play or a smart tackle for a minimal gain.

This means he will be placed in a greater position to succeed because of new head coach Vic Fangio. Fangio is known for placing players in a position to excel. This is what happened with Eddie Jackson in Chicago. Jackson became at top safety in the NFL and a Pro Bowler. The same will hopefully be said about Simmons.

Simmons is transferring what he is learning from Fangio to the field. He’s been nothing but a game wrecker. This is making the decision to lock up Simmons sooner rather than later. If the Denver Broncos let Simmons test the waters of free agency his market will be exponentially higher than it is now.

The best course of action is to capitalize on this opportunity now. Sign Simmons as soon as possible. Simmons loves the city of Denver and my guess is this is his preferred destination. It is imperative to get a deal done.

The last point in locking up Simmons is his personality and core value to the Broncos. Simmons is one of the most humble players I’ve seen in a long time come through the NFL. He understands the business side of the NFL and how to be a family man.

These core values make him a strong teammate and someone to hang on to. Also, his presence with the rest of the team and the locker room is one not to be ignored. He is beloved by the rest of the players and will be a strong role model of how to be a leader on the defense.

Simmons in the right point to earn a raise in the NFL and should be with the Denver Broncos.