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Denver Broncos: What would the perfect 2021 offseason look like?

By Noah Smith

Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) greets running backs Melvin Gordon (25) and LeVante Bellamy (32) during pregame warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) greets running backs Melvin Gordon (25) and LeVante Bellamy (32) during pregame warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Shelby Harris
Denver Broncos DL Shelby Harris. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Newly appointed General Manager George Paton will enter his first year with the Denver Broncos in an odd position. The team finished with a 5-11 record in 2020, but there is optimism for a quick turnaround in the building.

Paton called the team “a sleeping giant”, and his enthusiasm for the job is evident. If the Broncos are going to make a massive leap in 2021, Paton will play a big part.

Starting the year off with a strong offseason will be a step in the right direction for the Denver Broncos. With George Paton at the helm, the Broncos are in position to have just that.

Here’s how the Denver Broncos start the 2021 season off with a perfect offseason:

Denver Broncos ideal 2021 offseason: Re-sign Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris

These ones are no-brainers for newly appointed general manager George Paton.

Justin Simmons has been one of the premier safeties in the NFL over the past two seasons, and has been a class-act off the field. The two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee is everything you want in a franchise cornerstone player and should be locked into a long term contract as soon as possible.

Simmons will likely be looking for a contract upwards of an average of $15 Million per year, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL, per Overthecap. For a player of Simmons’ caliber, it’s a no-brainer deal for the Denver Broncos.

While lacking the off-field accomplishments of Simmons, Shelby Harris is deserving of a new contract as well. After putting together two strong seasons, Harris should be paid in the middle to upper tier of 3-4 defensive lineman.

A contract ranging from $10 million to $15 million would put Harris in the range of players like Calais Campbell of the Ravens to teammate Jurrell Casey. Age is a consideration in Harris’ contract, as he will be turning 30 years old to start the 2021 NFL Season.

With two high-impact players listed as unrestricted free agents, George Paton has some work to do this offseason. Retaining their two star free agents will be key for the Broncos to have a perfect offseason.

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