Denver Broncos in active negotiations with Justin Simmons

The Denver Broncos are in ‘active negotiations’ with safety Justin Simmons according to general manager John Elway. When will a deal get done?

Taking a break from the 2020 NFL Draft coverage, John Elway addressed the media regarding the contract status of All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, the team’s franchise player in 2020.

Contract talks with Simmons are ‘active’ according to Elway, and offers and counters have already been exchanged between the two parties.

"“As far as Justin, we’re in negotiations right now. We’ve given them an offer. They gave us an offer back. We’re in active negotiations with Justin.”John Elway (via Broncos PR)"

This could mean that a deal is on the relatively near horizon.

Simmons has not yet signed his franchise tender, an indicator that he’s going to get a completely new deal when all is said and done, not just an extension on top of his franchise tag.

Simmons was tremendous in his first year under Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio and defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

He finished with 93 tackles, four interceptions, 15 passes defended, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

He was all over the field and has truly become one of the best all-around safeties in the NFL. He’s about to be paid as such.

Eddie Jackson of the Chicago Bears is currently the highest-paid safety in the NFL at $14.6 million per season. It would not be a shocker to see Simmons top that and hopefully, the Broncos are able to lock him in for at least four or five seasons.

Landon Collins of the Washington Redskins got over $44 million in practical guarantees, but no safety has topped Earl Thomas’ $32 million guaranteed at signing.

Whether or not the Broncos completely re-set the safety market with Simmons remains to be seen, but it’s entirely possible. Simmons’ final deal should come in around $15 million per season and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get at least $30 million guaranteed.