Denver Broncos: 11 players to protect if there were an expansion draft

Denver Broncos: What players would team protect from expansion team?

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 29: Patrick Surtain II poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell onstage after being selected ninth by the Denver Broncos during round one of the 2021 NFL Draft at the Great Lakes Science Center on April 29, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Jun 15, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) during an offseason workout at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety Justin Simmons

Perhaps the easiest decision on this entire list is preventing safety Justin Simmons from being stolen from an expansion team. Again, like Bolles, he wouldn’t be going anywhere, as he signed a contract extension this offseason.

That extension made him the highest-paid safety in the history of the NFL.

The leader and voice of the secondary, Simmons has 16 interceptions and 37 pass breakups to go along with 385 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits.

It is also important to note that Simmons has not missed a snap during the last two seasons. Despite the team’s lack of winning, he has been a crucial member of that defense. With the additions of Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby, and Kyle Fuller, having Simmons is as important as ever.

Those additions can force quarterbacks into making mistakes, and with Simmons’ ball skills, turnovers are bound to be created.

I have high hopes for Justin Simmons in 2021. The Denver Broncos will, as well.

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