The Denver Broncos have gotten themselves into a tricky cap situation. Denver traded significant assets for QB Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks two years ago. The Broncos immediately handed him a hefty extension, which came into effect this year. After cutting him, the Broncos are on the hook for $53 million against the cap. As a result, Denver had to make a number of cost-cutting moves to get their books in order. One victim was veteran safety Justin Simmons. He may not be on the team anymore, but he recently dropped a heartfelt request to fans related to one Broncos rookie.
“Can’t believe I have to address this but if you supported me in Denver then please support Kris Abrams-Draine,” Simmons posted on social media. “My number isn’t getting retired. I appreciate the support and sensitivity to me leaving but let’s support the young gun! I know he will make it HIS number.”
Justin Simmons wore No. 31 for the Broncos for eight seasons. He was cut in March in a cost-saving move.
The Broncos drafted Kris Abrams-Draine in the X round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Abrams-Draine is an intriguing prospect prospect who could become a contributor in the future. He wore No. 7 in college, but that number is retired to honor Denver legend John Elway. As a result, Abrams-Draine had to pick a new number and chose No. 31.
Simmons was a third-round pick in 2016 and went on to become a two-time Pro Bowler with Denver. Throughout his eight seasons with the team, he logged 604 tackles, 64 passes defensed, and 30 interceptions.
Simmons is currently a free agent. He is expected to be picked up by another team at some point this summer.
Will the Broncos be more successful in 2024 than they were in 2023?
The Russell Wilson era gave Broncos fans reasons for optimism but was ultimately expensive and fruitless. Can the Broncos rebound in 2024 and show fans that they are heading in the right direction?
Believe it or not, there are reasons for optimism. Denver enters the second year under head coach Sean Payton, which suggests that there will be more stability during offseason programs and no need to install completely new language or schemes. That stability is a major advantage over the 2023 season.
There's also the QB situation. Denver selected Oregon's Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nix is a rookie, so while he won't be an instant upgrade over Wilson, he comes with a different set of expectations. He also boasts high upside if he is developed properly. Sean Payton is one of the better coaches in the NFL to learn the game from.
It may be a tough pill to swallow for Broncos fans, but expectations are lower in 2024. As long as Bo Nix shows signs of becoming Denver's future at QB, and the team establishes more of an identity in the Sean Payton era, the 2024 season should be counted as a success.
According to multiple sportsbooks, the Denver Broncos currently have an over/under win total of 5.5 wins.
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