Broncos to use franchise tag on Justin Simmons

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 2: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball after making an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

by: Dave Althouse

Posted: Mar 5, 2021 / 03:14 PM MST

Updated: Mar 5, 2021 / 03:14 PM MST

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DENVER (KDVR) — Justin Simmons will be a Bronco in 2021 after the team put the franchise tag on the safety Friday.

First reported by Benjamin Allbright at our news parter 850 KOA, the two sides are working on a long-term deal.

Breaking: Per league source Broncos all pro safety Justin Simmons will be getting the franchise tag today.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 5, 2021

Simmons will receive a 20% raise in 2021 – $13.7 million – which is guaranteed if he signs the deal. Both sides have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term contract.

He is the first NFL player to receive the franchise tag this offseason. The Broncos used the franchise tag on Simmons in 2020, giving him a 1-year, $11,441,000 contract.

“Justin is one of our core guys,” Broncos General Manager George Paton told reporters Thursday on a video conference call. “Our goal since I got here is to sign him to a long-term deal. We have had discussions with his agent. I don’t know if we’ll get a deal done or not, but that’s our goal. He’s the type of guy we want to extend.”

Simmons, 27, has been a pillar of consistency for the Broncos. His 96 tackles and 5 interceptions earned him his first Pro Bowl nod in 2020. Off the field, he is the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee for the second consecutive season.