Justin Simmons Expects Broncos to Use Franchise Tag on Him Ahead of Free Agency
Feb 24, 2020
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Safety Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos talks with Safety Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Lions 27-17. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Justin Simmons told SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday that he, his family and his agent "expect to get franchise tagged" by the Denver Broncos during free agency:
Free Agent Safety Justin Simmons discusses the possibility of the franchise tag with the #Broncos and how he would like to get a long-term deal done...
"We're kind of sitting on the optimistic side of things just because, in the past, when the Broncos have used the tag—and [general manager/president of football operations John] Elway's used it—they've always worked out a long-term deal," the 26-year-old safety said. "So, we're pretty confident that we'll be able to work something out."Â
On Tuesday, Elway told reporters at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine the Broncos would use the franchise tag on Simmons if the two sides could not reach an agreement on a new deal.
Simmons was drafted by Denver in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Boston College. The deadline for the Broncos and Simmons to either agree to a long-term deal or play on the franchise tag on him is July 15 (h/t The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala).
Over the weekend, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero relayed that the NFL and NFLPA have altered the schedule for placing franchise tags and transition tags. The timetable is now Feb. 27 to March 12, which gives teams two additional days.Â
The Broncos have plenty of reason for wanting to hold onto Simmons any way they can, and using the team-friendly franchise tag would make sense.
"Among the 43 NFL safeties with at least 30 targets in 2019, Denver Broncos' Justin Simmons ranked first in passer rating when targeted at 32.1," Pro Football Focus wrote on Saturday. "The soon-to-be unrestricted free agent allowed just 25 receptions from 47 targets for 239 yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions."
Broncos S Justin Simmons: ▪️Played every snap in 2018 & 2019 ▪️Led all safeties with 15 PD in 2019 ▪️90+ tackles in each of the past two seasons ▪️Excellent range with 7 INT since 2018 ▪️Freak athlete who plays on special teams
Total stud currently scheduled to be a free agent.
To Simmons' point about Denver's history with the franchise tag, ESPN's Jeff Legwold wrote:Â
"The Broncos, in Elway's tenure, have certainly been willing to use it. And they have routinely used it on the way to long-term deals. The Broncos designated kicker Matt Prater in 2012, tackle Ryan Clady in 2013, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in 2015 and linebacker Von Miller in 2016. In all four of those cases, the Broncos worked out a multiyear deal with the players by July of that same year."
Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. is also set to hit free agency for the first time in his nine-year career with the Broncos:
Chatted on NFL Now about Chris Harris Jr. and also another #Broncos player in the secondary, S Will Parks, who is also is hitting free agency. Parks has a pretty good market from what I'm told. pic.twitter.com/N78dOewH4G
Simmons led Denver with four interceptions and 15 passes defended last season among Broncos defenders. He also tied for second with 93 total tackles (65 solo).
Report: Broncos Believe Joe Flacco Can Return from Neck Injury, Play in 2020
Feb 18, 2020
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 27: Joe Flacco #5 of the Denver Broncos on the sidelines in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos reportedly believe quarterback Joe Flacco will be cleared to play the 2020 NFL season after suffering a neck injury during his first year with the franchise.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the update Tuesday but noted the former longtime Baltimore Ravens starter's future with the Broncos is uncertain because of his three-year, $66.4 million contract:
News and notes from around league on NFL Live...Joe Flacco undergoes MRI, Broncos confident he can play next year (in DEN or elsewhere); Kareem Hunt confident he’s in Browns’ plans for 2020; CU’s pursuit of Eric Bieniemy; Bucs’ attempt to retain Shaq Barrett could lead to tag pic.twitter.com/d18dHuTXuV
Flacco struggled in his first season with Denver. He completed 65.3 percent of his throws for 1,822 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight appearances. He suffered the neck injury against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8 and missed the remainder of the campaign.
The 35-year-old New Jersey native had criticized the Broncos' tepid offensive approach against the Colts before undergoing tests that revealed the extent of the injury:
"I just look at it as we are now a 2-6 football team and we are afraid to go for it in a two-minute drill. I mean who cares if you give it back to them with 1:40 left. They obviously got the field goal anyway. It's third-and-5 at the end of the game, who cares if they have a timeout left or not? Getting into field goal range isn't that tough. You are just putting your defense in bad situations. Why can't we be aggressive in these situations. What do we have lose?"
Denver, which finished the season 7-9, initially turned to Brandon Allen to fill the void. It was rookie Drew Lock who showed the most promise in five appearances down the stretch, though.
The 2019 second-round pick posted a 64.1 percent completion rate, seven touchdowns and three picks while guiding the Broncos to a 4-1 record. The Missouri product threw for 309 yards in a road victory over the Houston Texans, who ultimately reached the second round of the playoffs.
It's hard to imagine head coach Vic Fangio handing the offense back to Flacco based on Lock's strong play, and it'd be difficult to retain a veteran backup scheduled to count $23.7 million against the salary cap, which is why the quarterback's future is cloudy despite the positive news about his neck.
A straight release would leave $13.6 million in dead cap space, but that still represents over $10 million in cap savings for 2020.
The sides may instead work toward a restructuring to keep him in Denver as the chief reserve behind Lock at a reduced cost, but that'd be dependent on Flacco's willingness to accept a backup role.
It's a situation that should become more clear over the next month since the Broncos will likely want a clearer cap picture before free agency opens March 18.
NFL Draft 2020: 1st-Round Mock Draft After Super Bowl
Feb 5, 2020
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) caries the ball against Auburn during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
In seemingly every draft class, quarterbacks—whether good or bad—draw the most attention. And why wouldn't they?
If Kansas City proved anything in its come-from-behind win over San Francisco in Super Bowl LIV, it's that great quarterback play can cure a lot of ills. While the 49ers played keep-away from their own quarterback in the second half, the Chiefs put the ball in Patrick Mahomes hands to win the game.Â
What Mahomes had—besides once-in-a-generation arm talent—that Garoppolo and any other quarterback in the league didn't was elite weaponry.
As teams around the league enter free agency in March and eventually the NFL draft in April, they'll aim to recreate what the Chiefs offense showcased this year. None of them are likely to find a quarterback like Mahomes, but with one of the most talented wide receiver classes in recent memory, they might be able to give their own signal-callers similar weapons.Â
In our latest mock draft, we'll break down three wide receivers who could make an immediate impact on the teams that draft them.Â
Had it not been for Tua Tagovailoa's season-ending hip injury in mid-November, it's likely Jeudy would have won the Biletnikoff Award for the second consecutive season. With Tagovailoa at the helm, Jeudy was on pace to break 90 catches and more than 1,200 receiving yards. As Alabama relied more on its run game in the second half of the year under sophomore Mac Jones, Jeudy's production as both a vertical threat and intermediate option fell sharply.Â
Those areas, though, are exactly where he can excel in Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Arizona. In spite of lack of playmakers at receiver and downright awful offensive line play at times, Cardinals rookie QB Kyler Murray found his groove toward the end of the year. Jeudy, whose route running ability and quickness allow him to play either in the slot or on the outside, would be an excellent pairing with Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk in Arizona's stable of weapons.Â
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CeeDee Lamb, WR, OklahomaÂ
Much of the offseason chatter surrounding the Raiders—besides their impending move to Las Vegas—has been about the quarterback position. Derek Carr is coming off his most efficient statistical season since 2016, but head coach Jon Gruden hasn't been shy about his desire for a top-flight quarterback to work with.Â
Might that be Tom Brady? According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders plan to make a serious pursuit at the six-time Super Bowl champ if he decides not to return to New England before free agency opens March 18.
One of the Raiders' strongest pitches—outside of Brady being the face of a newly relocated franchise, is what would be around him in Las Vegas. Running back Josh Jacobs was the the NFL Rookie of the Year, and tight end Darren Waller proved himself to be one of the elite pass-catchers in the NFL by hauling in 90 passes last year. An NFL-ready Lamb could be the final selling point.Â
Despite not having gawdy catch numbers, Lamb was as dominant of a wideout the last two seasons as anyone in the country. He doesn't have Tyreek Hill-level speed, but of the available wideouts in this year's class, he might be the most complete, especially with his 6-foot-2, 189-pound frame. Lamb excels at all three levels of the passing game, and despite not having exceptional speed, uses his size and strength to overpower defensive backs after the catch.Â
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Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
As was made abundantly clear in Denver's two losses to eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City, the Broncos are desperately in need of speed. Courtland Sutton showed what a force he can be in the passing game once Denver replaced Joe Flacco with rookie Drew Lock, and the Broncos have two emerging ancillary weapons in second-year running back Phillip Lindsay and rookie tight end Noah Fant.Â
But more than anything, Denver needs speed, both from a vertical receiving threat standpoint but also to use in jet sweeps, screens and other quick hits much like Kansas City does with Hill. Enter Henry Ruggs III.
Of Alabama's three draft-bound receivers (Ruggs, Jeudy and Devonta Smith), Ruggs has the fewest targets by a large margin, but still finished with seven touchdowns and the highest YPC average of any player on the team.
He likely projects as a slot receiver more than an outside threat, but his reported 4.25 40-yard-dash speed (last year at Alabama's junior day combine) would allow new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur a wealth of matchup options.Â
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Follow Keegan on Twitter @ByKeeganPope.Â
Report: Broncos' Phillip Lindsay Undergoes Surgery on Wrist Injury
Jan 16, 2020
Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay reportedly underwent wrist surgery but is already rehabbing in the team facility.Â
Mike Klis of 9News reported the news Thursday, noting this is the second straight offseason Lindsay underwent wrist surgery. The latest one is far less extensive than last year's and was described as "a simple, clean-up arthroscopic procedure."
He is expected to be ready to return before offseason work begins in April.
That this doesn't seem to be a serious issue will be welcome news for the Broncos considering Lindsay has far outperformed expectations as an undrafted player from the University of Colorado.
He rushed for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2018 and followed up with 1,011 yards and seven scores on the ground in 2019. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and is just 25 years old with a seemingly bright future as a featured part of the Broncos' backfield.
Klis noted Lindsay is eligible to have his contract re-negotiated this offseason, and general manager John Elway suggested the team will do just that for the playmaker.
Having a relatively clean bill of health should help Lindsay in any contract negotiations.
Ex-Giants HC Pat Shurmur, Broncos Agree to Contract as New Offensive Coordinator
Jan 12, 2020
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 01: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Pat Shurmur of the New York Giants in action against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 01, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers defeated the Giants 31-13. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Shurmur will take charge of a unit that finished 26th in offensive efficiency, per Football Outsiders, and averaged the fifth-fewest yards (298.6) in the NFL.
The Broncos opened the 2019 season with Joe Flacco at quarterback but had to turn to Brandon Allen when a neck injury landed Flacco on injured reserve. Drew Lock, Denver's second-round pick in 2019, replaced Allen in Week 13 and generated some optimism with his performance to close out the year.
Lock threw for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions as the Broncos went 4-1.
Shurmur has enjoyed some recent successes at quarterback. Journeyman Case Keenum came out of nowhere to help guide the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in 2017, and rookie Daniel Jones improved as the season went on for the Giants in 2019.
The Giants met with Lock ahead of the 2019 draft, so Shurmur will have some familiarity with the former Missouri star in his new job.
Especially given Denver's inability to find a long-term franchise quarterback since John Elway's retirement, Lock's development will be Shurmur's top priority in 2020.
Broncos Fire OC Rich Scangarello After 1 Season with Team
Jan 12, 2020
Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello takes part in drills during an NFL football training camp session Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Denver Broncos fired offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello on Sunday, the team announced.
Broncos coach Vic Fangio addressed the move in a statement:
"After a lot of consideration and discussion after the season, I determined that a change at offensive coordinator ultimately would be best for our team. We need to do everything we can to get better—in all areas—as we start working toward next year.
"Rich is a bright coach with a great future ahead of him. I appreciate all of his hard work and thank him for his contributions to the Broncos."
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported the news.
The Broncos finished 26th in offensive efficiency in 2019, per Football Outsiders, which was Scangarello's first year on the job. Denver also averaged the fifth-fewest yards (298.6) and points (17.6).
9News' Mike Klis provided more information on Fangio's decision to jettison one of his top assistants:
"Fangio met with Scangarello as part of his coaching staff’s end-of-year evaluations a couple days after the Broncos’ season finale victory against the Raiders. Although Fangio told 9News the day after the season he didn’t anticipate making any staff changes, he was waffling on whether to retain Scangarello for a second year."
According to Klis, Fangio also indicated to Broncos players at the team's year-end meeting that "taking a significant step on offense" was required to return to the postseason.
There's no question the offense fell short of expectations. The acquisition of Joe Flacco in March placed a level of pressure on Scangarello to deliver immediate returns, and the offense's inability to move the ball played a role in a 7-9 finish.
Still, firing Scangarello is a surprise since the unit appeared to be turning a corner once Drew Lock took over as quarterback. Lock finished with 1,020 passing yards and seven touchdowns in Denver's final five games.
The Broncos went 4-1 over that stretch, and Scangarello seemed to tailor the offense to Lock's strengths.
Defenses will adjust to Drew Lock eventually (soon, even), but his pairing with Scangarello is a good one in terms of using his traits to find success. Lock was very good outside of the pocket in a limited sample at Mizzou.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported in November that Fangio "has had issues with offensive assistants."
"Lines of communication have been strained, and Fangio has been quick to dispute play calls and come across as overbearing on the headsets, sources said, which has created issues in-game and otherwise," La Canfora wrote.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport speculated Fangio will look to "an experienced play-caller" to replace Scangarello, who had been the San Francisco 49ers' quarterbacks coach for two years prior to his move to Denver.
Furthering Lock's development will likely be one of Fangio's top priorities in his search for a new offensive coordinator.
John Elway: 'Unrealistic' to Say Drew Lock Won't Be Broncos' Starting QB in 2020
Dec 30, 2019
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock (3) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock did enough in December to secure the starting job for 2020.
Broncos general manager John Elway addressed Lock's future Monday, following the team's 16-15 win over the Oakland Raiders in their season finale Sunday.
"I don't see any options right now," Elway told reporters. "I mean, honestly, he finished and did a heck of a job and won four out of five games and played well, but he still has a long way to go. Got a lot of work to do, but we're excited about where Drew is. Don't like to show our hand, but I think it's unrealistic to say that we're going in a different direction."
Denver drafted Lock in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. The 23-year-old spent the majority of his rookie campaign on injured reserve after suffering a thumb injury in the preseason. He made his first NFL start on Dec. 1, leading the Broncos to a 23-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Lock's signature performance came the following week. Denver upset the playoff-bound Houston Texans 38-24 behind 309 yards, three touchdowns and one interception on 22-of-27 passing from Lock.
Afterward, Broncos All-Pro linebacker Von Miller gave Lock his stamp of approval by calling him a "f--king rock star."
Overall, Lock tossed for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns and three picks on a 64.1 completion percentage as the Broncos went 4-1. Denver finished the year 7-9, missing the postseason for the fourth straight season.
Lock already seems right at home in Mile High:
Drew Lock has BARS.
Broncos rookie QB was rapping Jeezy’s “Put On” to perfection
The Broncos are desperate for Lock to stick and develop into a lasting franchise quarterback. Since Peyton Manning retired following the franchise's Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015-16, seven different quarterbacks have started in Denver. In 2019, Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen started before Lock.
Von Miller's $18M Contract Option to Be Picked Up, Per Broncos' John Elway
Broncos general manager John Elway told reporters Monday that his intention is to pick up Miller's $18 million 2020 option that includes $6 million guaranteed and carries a $25.625 million cap hit.
The 30-year-old three-time All-Pro was drafted by Denver second overall in the 2011 NFL draft. Miller signed a six-year, $114.5 million extension in July 2016.
Miller started 15 games in 2019, missing one game with a knee injury:
Overall, Miller recorded eight sacks, two forced fumbles and 46 tackles (33 solo) as the Broncos stumbled to 7-9.
Miller expressed his desire to "bring whatever we had in the past back" following the Broncos' 23-3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 15:
Von Miller very candid after the game. "Whenever we put it all out there and we come up short, it's definitely defeating...it just defeats my soul."#4Broncos @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/53wg0ThRtX
Miller was named Super Bowl MVP when Denver beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50. The franchise has not made a postseason appearance in the four seasons since.
The main obstacle has been at quarterback. Peyton Manning retired in March 2016 following the Broncos' Super Bowl victory, and seven quarterbacks have started in Mile High since then—including Joe Flacco, Brandon Allen and Drew Lock in 2019.
The most recent is Lock, drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. The 23-year-old rookie made his first start on Dec. 1, and Miller called him "a f--king rock star" following the team's 38-24 upset of the Houston Texans on Dec. 8.
If Lock proves to be the real deal into 2020, Miller might be closer to restoring glory in Denver than he thought.
Broncos' Chris Harris Jr. Says He's Focused on Raiders Game Ahead of Free Agency
Dec 24, 2019
Sunday's game could be Chris Harris Jr.'s final appearance in a Denver Broncos uniform as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but the cornerback is keeping his focus on the Oakland Raiders, not his looming free agency.Â
"Man, I'm just so thankful to the Broncos. I had a great nine years here, whatever happens happens," Harris told reporters Tuesday (around the 0:54 mark). "I'm just focusing on finishing the year strong and do whatever I can to into the game with a clear mind and play the best I can."
Since signing with Denver as undrafted free agent out of Kansas in 2011, Harris has spent his entire nine-year career with the team. He was a key member of the Broncos' "No Fly Zone" defense, which powered the way to the franchise's third Lombardi Trophy in 2015-16.
Harris has earned four Pro Bowl selections as well as one All-Pro nod in his career.
As he was set to enter the final year of his current contract, Harris requested either a new deal or a trade back in April. He did not wind up landing a multi-year deal, but he did receive a sizable bump in pay, with the Broncos upping his 2019 salary to $12.05 million from $8.9 million.
Through 15 games, the 30-year-old defensive back has recorded 54 total tackles, his most since 2016. He also has six pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble.
Denver (6-9) will miss the postseason for the fourth consecutive season.
It's not clear if the Broncos will look to bring Harris back or if they will look for a younger and/or cheaper alternative. If the two sides go their separate ways, there should be no shortage of interest in Harris on the open market:
Chris Harris Jr.'s coverage grade from the slot is far and away the best in the PFF era for a cornerback. pic.twitter.com/Llx2TgzF0v
This weekend will give Harris one final opportunity to show all 32 teams what he can do on the field.
Broncos' Kareem Jackson Suspended 2 Games Stemming from September DUI
Dec 17, 2019
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 8: Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half of a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Broncos defeated the Texans 38-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncosannounced Tuesday that safety Kareem Jackson will be suspended for the final two games of the 2019 season for a violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse.Â
According to Mike Klis of 9News, the punishment stems from a DUI in September. The legal process concluded Tuesday, leading to the suspension.
"There are high standards for the personal conduct of all members of our organization, and we have expressed our extreme disappointment to Kareem for his poor judgment," the Broncos said in a statement. "Under the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse, he has been suspended for the Broncos’ final two games of the 2019 season."
Jackson also apologized on his Twitter account:
I would like to apologize to the Broncos organization, my teammates & fans. I understand the severity in my lapse of judgement and I will certainly not make this mistake again. I know I am fortunate to play in the NFL and am held to a high standard of professionalism and conduct.
Jackson signed a three-year deal with Denver in the offseason after spending his first nine seasons with the Houston Texans.Â
Though the Broncos have struggled overall with a 5-9 record, the pass defense remains solid ranked 10th in the NFL in yards allowed. Jackson has been a big part of the defensive success with 71 tackles, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
The 31-year-old has started all 13 games he has played, missing only Week 4 due to a hamstring injury, and has been on the field nearly every play. Per Pro Football Reference, he hasn't missed a defensive snap in the last seven games.
