Denver Broncos: One big reason team must re-sign Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons is in line for a big deal, and it should come from the Denver Broncos.

There are some great safeties currently playing in the NFL, and there is little doubt that Simmons belongs in that discussion. The five-year pro has put together a solid package of stats during his career including nearly 400 tackles and 16 interceptions. He was also just recently selected to his first Pro Bowl.

After signing a one-year tender for just over $11 million last July following the Broncos placing the franchise tag on him, Simmons is in line for an even bigger contract. A long-term deal would cost the Broncos a pretty penny, but it absolutely must happen.

In fact, that should be at the top of new general manager George Paton’s to-do list. Paton has stated that his plan is to keep Simmons around.

Obviously, this should be something the Broncos are highly interested in doing for Simmons’ talent alone, but there is another important reason to make a deal happen.

Why is Simmons worth the big contract?

Simmons has earned a deal with his play on the field. That is not arguable. But in addition to that, he is also incredibly active in the community and is the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. Those are the things that make a player a fan favorite.

But those are also the things that lead to players around the locker room looking up to that particular player. Those players want to be able to know that their hard work will pay off, just like with any job.

If the Broncos were to decide against signing Simmons, it would lead to a horrible sentiment among the rest of the locker room. Those players would be wondering if they would be able to get a big pay day if they put their best foot forward because let’s be honest, if any player on the team has earned this kind of contract, it is Simmons.

Imagine being at your place of employment and the top employee was passed over for a raise or a promotion despite doing every single thing asked of them. These things do happen in the real world, and it creates a poor work environment, one in which employees aren’t going to want to be a part of and certainly aren’t going to give 100 percent.

Paton needs to send a message to the team by firmly saying hard work and being an exemplary member of the roster will pay off.