[ad_1]
Any veteran making big money is vulnerable following release of quarterback Russell Wilson.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Everyone knew the cap consequences from the release of Russell Wilson would be severe and felt throughout every corner of the Denver Broncos’ locker room.
The Broncos moved to execute the necessary if nevertheless painful moves to dig out from their salary cap hole Thursday by releasing star safety Justin Simmons.
Simmons, 30, was due to make a non-guaranteed $14.5 million this season in what was to be the final year of a four-year, $61 million extension he received prior to the 2021 season.
Upon releasing the quarterback Wilson on Tuesday, a joint statement by Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton provided a hint of things to come.
“We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency,” said the statement.
The key words there being, “will have the flexibility.”
While any veteran making decent money is vulnerable to such a transaction in light of the Wilson fallout, there was reason to believe Simmons would be an exception. Since he was the Broncos’ third-round draft pick out of Boston College in 2016, he has been one of the NFL’s best ballhawks. He had at least two interceptions in each of his 8 seasons with the Broncos and his 30 picks overall are No. 1 among all NFL players since 2016.
Simmons was named second-team All Pro in four of his last five seasons and was twice a Pro Bowler. He was also considered the most active Bronco player in charitable, community and volunteer endeavors.
The feeling up and down the Broncos’ roster must be: If Simmons can be cut, anybody can. It’s been a tough few days for some of the most recognizable NFL safeties as Kevin Byard, Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs and Jordan Poyer were also released.
While the Broncos have yet to determine whether to absorb $35.4 million or $53 million of Wilson’s dead-cap hit for the 2024 season, either way the team as of Thursday morning has the NFL’s greatest cap debt. According to Spotrac, the Broncos were at negative $19 million not counting Wilson’s release that will officially come after the new league year opens at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Locked On Broncos
9NEWS+
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
[ad_2]
Source link
