As the Denver Broncos look to sign Justin Simmons to a long-term deal, the team officially exercised the franchise tag on their top free safety. Simmons is set to make $13,729,200 under the franchise tag if they don’t come to terms on a deal, with the league’s official salary cap set at $182.5 million.
Simmons finished out the season leading the Broncos with five interceptions and third-most tackles in 2020. PFF has ranked him as a top-12 safety for each of the past two seasons.
The Broncos have until 4 p.m. ET on July 15, 2021 to come to terms on a long-term contract. Otherwise, Simmons would look to play out the season on the franchise tag.