Justin Simmons just re-signed for a four-year, $61 million dollar deal with $35 million being in guarantees this offseason with the Denver Broncos, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
It was a long time coming for the All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Many of the Denver Broncos’ players see Simmons as one of the core players on the roster and as a leader for this team.
You know when someone is a cornerstone of an organization when a brand-new general manager steps in and immediately states that he wants to keep our best young players and individuals, and Justin Simmons represents that on and off the field.
Simmons joined The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday alongside AJ Hawk and the boys to talk about his new contract, where the Denver Broncos are heading, Drew Lock, and more.
Simmons joins McAfee in a great conversation
McAfee starts off by saying that the Broncos have been a topic of conversation this offseason with the re-signing of Simmons, bringing back Von Miller, and Drew Lock at quarterback. He then states the question, “Do you have a team to go right now and make a run?”
Simmons responds with the Denver Broncos having the pieces now and the team now is ready to go. Adding more pieces in the draft as well and, “having a really good chance of making something special happen.”
Justin then adds that he is excited for Drew to get another season under his belt.
"I think we have the team right now ready to go, Drew Lock entering his third season but it's really his second with a full season under his belt... I'm just excited" @jsimms1119 #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/LijRnkwn8E
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 31, 2021
Former fifth overall pick, AJ Hawk, wanted to know how is it facing Drew Lock in practice every day and competing with him. Simmons goes on to protect his quarterback and drops some gems on Drew Lock.
"I’ve seen it. Going up against him in practice and seeing the swagger, seeing the confidence that he plays with. Everyone knows there is a big learning curve that comes with the position, especially the quarterback position in the NFL.Justin Simmons on The Pat McAfee Show"
Simmons goes on to add that he has always been a Drew Lock fan since day one and looking forward to what he does in the upcoming season.
He goes on to bring up the rumors of bringing in competition for Lock and that he feels it’s going to be a really good season for him.
"Drew would be proud of those dance moves... I'm so outspoken about Drew because I see his swagger & confidence at practice"@jsimms1119 chatting about @DrewLock23 being ready to take the next step in the NFL #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/nXoKcisHD4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 31, 2021
When McAfee brings up the importance of the quarterback and being one of the best guys, Simmons goes on to agree and brings up a great thing Broncos Country would love to hear.
"I heard from Courtland (Sutton), Tim Patrick, Jerry (Jeudy), a bunch of guys that have been working with Drew. That they loved his dedication, focus and his work ethic this offseason so far.Justin Simmons on The Pat McAfee Show"
AJ Hawk proceeded to bring up some of the new additions to the Denver Broncos secondary in cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby.
"(Kyle Fuller is) A guy that’s already been in Vic Fangio’s system, was a first team All-Pro, Pro Bowl selection. In general his career has been amazing to watch, so getting to work with him is just going to elavate my knowledge of the defense. I’m going to be able to pick his brain and looking forward to those conversations.Darby is just a beast. I know he had some injuries but if you look at the production he had last year with Washington and what they were able to do in their passing defense. Watching him go against number one receivers. He was up there in pass breakups individually for him so getting ready to work with him, I’m just excited.Justin Simmons on Broncos new CBs Kyle Fuller & Ronald Darby"
McAfee also asks Simmons how it is going up against the “big bad wolf” in the Kansas City Chiefs twice a year and being able to compete against them.
Below, Justin mentions the greatness of Mahomes and the terrific players they have on that team.
"As competitors you always wanna go up against the best, that's how you solidify greatness"@jsimms1119 on playing against the #Chiefs twice a year #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/kkzq4pAhz0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 31, 2021
Denver Broncos: Potential Prospects showed out at Miami Pro Day
The Denver Broncos will have a lot of options come April 29th, but some intriguing prospects from Miami should be highly considered for Denver.
Justin Simmons was a great interview for McAfee, Hawk, and the boys and said some interesting things that Broncos Country will like. You can also catch The Pat McAfee Show every weekday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. You can see the whole interview on YouTube (2:32:15-2:52:30).