Denver Broncos security Justin Simmons has accepted his franchise offer and is expected to sign it this weekend, ESPN sources Adam Schefter said on Friday.
Simmons, a third-round pick in the 2016 draft that should enter his fifth season, was on the verge of being an unrestricted free agent, but Broncos president of operations / general manager John Elway said during the combine he would use the franchise tag to withhold it if a long term contract could not be entered into.
Simmons, who turned 26 last November, played at the Pro Bowl level in his first year in Vic Fangio’s system. He was tied for second on the team with 93 tackles and led the team with four interceptions and 15 defensive assists.
He was the Broncos’ candidate last season for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The Broncos know that re-signing Simmons for the long haul will take elite money. The top five highest paid collateral in the league all have contracts averaging between $ 14 million and $ 14.6 million. The Broncos are expected to have more than $ 60 million in wage ceiling space.
During Elway’s tenure as the Broncos’ best football executive, the four players under the franchise label – tackle Ryan Clady, kicker Matt Prater, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and linebacker Von Miller – signed an agreement with long term before the deadline.
Simmons has started 48 games in his career, including 16 starts in each of the past two seasons. Simmons has also played all defensive snaps in each of the past two seasons. He has 11 interceptions, 28 defensive assists and 2 sacks in his career.
Four franchised players have not yet signed their offer: Yannick Ngakoue (Jaguars), Shaq Barrett (Buccaneers), Chris Jones (Chiefs) and AJ Green (Bengals).
Jeff Legwold of ESPN contributed to this report.
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