The Denver Broncos chose not to sign Justin Simmons to a multi-year contract extension, deciding rather to adhere to the franchise tag the team had used to the security early this previous spring. Making $11.441 million on the franchise tag, Simmons absolutely got a significant raise, nearly tripling what he made over the period of his four-year novice contract. For one season..
Thats what playing at an All-Pro level in an agreement year can do for a safety. Simmons got in negotiations with Denver this previous offseason in hopes of becoming the highest-paid security in the video game..
The Broncos desired to see him replicate his 2019 body of work before rolling out the long-term money. The early returns? Up until now, GM John Elway looks like he was smart to lease Simmons for another year instead of getting tied down to a home loan..
Simmons has actually gone to pieces through the very first quarter of the season. Outside of all the injuries the Broncos have actually suffered, Simmons regression may be the most significant disappointment hence far..
Hes still making top-10 security grades from the likes of Pro Football Focus, anyone whos seen the Broncos four games this year can observe that hes been far from the very same high-impact player he was last year. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, of all the choices the Broncos have on-roster, Simmons presently makes the most sense if Elway were of a mind to negotiate..
Costs Barnwell of ESPN can visualize the Broncos potentially trading Simmons away to the Dallas Cowboys before the October 29 due date in exchange for a 2021 second-round choice, 2022 fourth-round pick..
Broncos fans would likely wish to hold out for a Jamal Adams-sized package in return for their star safety, but thats just not sensible. Adams was 2 years far from complimentary company, while Simmons is already on his very first franchise tag. The Broncos werent able to come to terms on a contract extension before the season with the Boston College product, and with Simmons set to make $13.7 million on a 2nd franchise tag against a $175 million cap next year, things arent going to get any simpler.
If Denver loses its next 2 video games and falls out of the playoff race at 1-5, it will need to face truths. Theres no sense in having Simmons play the second half of a lost season before letting him leave in complimentary firm. Securing a second-round choice gets the Broncos a better choice than a third-round offsetting choice, has that pick show up a year early and enables basic manager John Elway to spend in free firm without negating that potential offsetting pick.
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It might discomfort some fans to hear it however Barnwells logic is not flawed. If the Broncos arent able to at least split these next 2 games, beating either the New England Patriots this week, or the Kansas City Chiefs in Denver next, if a group like the Cowboys wanted to offer up a second-rounder next year, plus a mid-round pick, understanding the financial obstacles that might await this group in 2021, it would be a deal too excellent to pass up..
Now, if Simmons were balling out, it d be a various story. Its normally not recommended to deal away elite gamers in the midst of their prime..
Simmons hinted in 2019 that he could have elite possible however through the first quarter of this season, hes playing at a replacement level. If the best team came calling, providing up a second-round pick in exchange for Simmons, thats an offer Elway need to take all day long and twice on Sunday..
I would not expect an offer to occur. Elway has actually been active in years past at the trade due date. In 2018, Elway dealt away all-time wideout Demaryius Thomas and Pro Bowler Emmanuel Sanders in 2019..
The way Simmons is playing, I have a difficult time seeing any group wanting to provide a second-round pick for him, even one who might utilize the assistance at safety like the Cowboys. Were speaking about a 1 year wonder after all..
The Broncos invested a third-round pick in Simmons back in 2016, so getting him for 5 years just to deal him away for a second-rounder? That d be quite the coup to celebrate for Elway the GM..
It would likely take head coach Vic Fangio being completely on-board, however, even if the right deal came Denvers method. I d be curious to know precisely how Fangio feels about his 11.4 million-dollar safety whos dipping into replacement level..
My guess is– because were talking strictly in hypotheticals– Fangio would take that deal, too. At the rate Simmons is playing, the Broncos would be remiss to rebuff such a deal if it ever became a truth..
Which it wont. Its enjoyable to hypothesize, though, aint it?.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.
The Denver Broncos picked not to sign Justin Simmons to a multi-year contract extension, choosing instead to stick to the franchise tag the team had applied to the safety early this past spring. Earning $11.441 million on the franchise tag, Simmons certainly received a significant raise, almost tripling what he earned over the duration of his four-year novice contract. Adams was two years away from totally free firm, while Simmons is currently on his first franchise tag. The Broncos werent able to come to terms on an agreement extension before the season with the Boston College item, and with Simmons set to make $13.7 million on a second franchise tag versus a $175 million cap next year, things arent going to get any easier.
Theres no sense in having Simmons play the second half of a lost season before letting him leave in free firm.
