Navigating the salary cap is something every team throughout the NFL has to deal with. It often means that teams simply cannot afford to keep every player they would like to have on their roster. And unfortunately for the Denver Broncos, that meant parting ways with one of their veteran star players this week.
According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Broncos shockingly decided to part ways with veteran star safety Justin Simmons as a result of the salary cap, parting ways with one of their top players and a leader on the defensive side of the ball.
“Sources: The #Broncos are releasing All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons in a move to clear salary cap space. Simmons becomes one of the top free agents immediately. He was to count $18.25M against the cap. Now, free,” Rapoport said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Sources: The #Broncos are releasing All-Pro and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons in a move to clear salary cap space. Simmons becomes one of the top free agents immediately.
He was to count $18.25M against the cap. Now, free. pic.twitter.com/gMois9ejId
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2024
Obviously, this is some pretty shocking news for the Broncos, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media.
Really great run in Denver. But cap realities set in … https://t.co/0q2hk09Pj0
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 7, 2024
It’s 7:13 in the morning and I’m about to cry bro https://t.co/ESc6GvwVCW
— Edge 💥 (@BroncosEdge_) March 7, 2024
Hate that he's gone, love the guy.
Couldn't ask for a better representative of this franchise during the toughest stretch in team history.
But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't kind of happy that he can get a chance to play for a winner somewhere. https://t.co/3kSyXpy9BZ
— Brett Kane (@BrettKaneRadio) March 7, 2024
Incredible player https://t.co/PnC4fYOrA5
— Bobby Stroupe (@bobbystroupe) March 7, 2024
One of my favorite all-time Broncos. Thank you for everything @jsimms1119. I’m always gonna be one of your biggest fans. And you’re always gonna be on my Madden team https://t.co/nC24nRz43o
— KJ (@KevSportsBurner) March 7, 2024
One of the craziest releases in recent memory, but that’s what you have to do when you have $85 million in dead cap from a QB who doesn’t play for you
The Bears should 100% inquire on this https://t.co/OrPkHbE8m5
— Kevin Lapka (@kevcharles112) March 7, 2024
Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowler and led the entire league in interceptions during the 2022 season even though he only played 12 games. He will obviously be a coveted free agent as he hits the market.
