NFL: Martin County grad Justin Simmons released by Denver Broncos following eight seasons
One of the most impactful defensive players of his generation is on the market.
Following eight standout seasons, Justin Simmons was released by the Denver Broncos on Thursday morning, becoming the latest NFL star to become a cap casualty.
The Martin County High School alum signed a four-year contract valued at $61 million with Denver in 2021 and was set to count $18.25 million against the salary cap in his final season of his deal.
Selected 98th overall by the Broncos in the 2016 NFL draft out of Boston College, Simmons has piled up 30 interceptions, more than any other player during that time frame.
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He's been named a second-team All Pro four times in his career (2019, 2021-23) and has been named to the Pro Bowl on a pair of occasions (2020, 2023).
"Justin Simmons' impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization," the Broncos said in a statement. "In addition to growing into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year devoted to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change. Whether it was in Denver or his hometown of Stuart, Florida, Justin inspired and mentored countless youth while providing unwavering support to the community. The hundreds of hours he spent at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club will be as much a part of Justin's legacy with the Broncos as his leadership, dependability and many interceptions. "Justin will always be a Bronco, and we thank him for the outstanding manner in which he represented our organization on and off the field. We wish Justin, his wife Taryn, and their children Laney, Shae and Kyler the very best in the future."
Simmons, who turns 31 in November, immediately becomes one of the top safety free agents in the league.
Last season, he finished with 70 total tackles (53 solo) with three interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack.
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at (772) 985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Martin County High School grad Justin Simmons released by Denver Broncos
