Denver Broncos franchise tag safety Justin Simmons

The Denver Broncos are franchise tagging safety Justin Simmons, according to a report from NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.

The #Broncos are franchise tagging S Justin Simmons today, source said. The two will keep working toward a long-term deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2021

This move will keep Simmons with the team for at least one more season.

According to 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis, both parties aren’t far apart when it comes to a long-term deal.

Confirming Broncos are placing $13.73 million franchise tag on S Justin Simmons today. (1st by @AllbrightNFL). Parties aren’t far apart. Highest paid S (Baker) averages $14.75m.
This is partly a procedural deal for Simmons to help assure he won’t get tagged in future. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 5, 2021

New Broncos general manager George Paton spoke highly of Simmons in a press conference on Thursday, saying a long-term deal is the goal.

“Justin is one of our core guys. Our goal since I got here is to sign him to a long-term deal,” Paton said. “He’s the type of guy we want to extend.”

Related

Rockies’ freefall threatens to land them among baseball’s all-time worstRockies done in by disastrous inning as they drop seventh straightRockies to call up pitching prospect Mason Adams just weeks after deadline dealBo Nix looked good to Sean Payton in his first appearance back on the fieldSean Payton provides encouraging update on Riley Moss and his rib injuryShedeur Sanders won’t be the Week 1 starter for the Browns