Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. However, while the Broncos reportedly have yet to open serious contract talks with the fourth-year pro, per Mike Klis of 9News, the team is expected to franchise tag Simmons if no multi-year deal can be reached.
The Broncos have until March 10 to franchise tag Simmons which would keep him in Denver for at least one more season.
Simmons has made an immediate impact for the Broncos since being drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. This season, the former Boston College standout started all 16 games and recorded 93 total tackles which ranked second on the team.
The 26-year-old defensive back also led the Broncos with 15 passes defended and four interceptions on the year.
With Simmons helping to lead the way, the Broncos boasted a top 10 scoring defense in the NFL while giving up the fifth-fewest passing touchdowns in the league as a team.
The franchise tag has almost universally been pandered by players in recent years. however, Simmons has stated that he is more than willing to play under the tag.
In past years, players like Matt Prater, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas, and Von Miller have all held out from team's offseason activities in protest of being put on the teg. At the same time, multi-year deals were reached with all of those players at later dates.
If franchise tagged, Simmons is set to make around $11.5 million and $12.74 million for the 2020 season — a significant increase from the just over $2 million the safety made in 2019.
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