5 Denver Broncos players making the Pro Bowl in 2022
Denver Broncos Pro Bowler No. 4: Justin Simmons, S
Over the past few years, Simmons has arguably been the best safety in the NFL.
According to ESPN, Simmons’ 53.5 disrupted dropbacks (interceptions, pass breakups, sacks) over the past three seasons leads all safeties in the NFL. So it was clear to see why the Broncos made him the highest paid safety of 2021, with a four-year, $61 million contract.
Last season, Simmons followed up that big contract by recording 60 solo tackles, five interceptions (tied for the most among all safeties), and 12 passes defended (tied for second-most among all safeties). By the season’s end, he was named to the Associated Press second-team All-Pro team.
Best in the league — and he keeps getting better. 😤@jsimms1119's best plays from 2021:#WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/PPcpaxWWQR
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 12, 2022
Yet, he wasn’t selected for the Pro Bowl. Why?
Simmons’ lack of recognition could be correlated to the Broncos’ lack of success. Despite Simmons’ production on the field, the seven-year pro has yet to experience a winning season since entering the league in 2016 when the Broncos went 9-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs.
With so much change in Denver this offseason, including a new quarterback and coaching staff, Simmons could hit the perfect trifecta: a winning season, a playoff berth, and a Pro Bowl Selection. Although, a Super Bowl title would be nice too.