Broncos releasing star safety Justin Simmons after 8 seasons - ESPN

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos continued their extensive foundational offseason makeover Thursday, as they informed safety Justin Simmons he will be released.

Simmons, who was the Broncos' third-round pick in the 2016 draft, was the team's longest-tenured player. And Simmons, who was also one of the most active players in the community in his tenure, was often the public face of the locker room, in good times and bad, during the current eight-year playoff drought.

«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.»

The Broncos, who announced Monday they will release quarterback Russell Wilson, are in a salary cap bind. Wilson's release will put a record $85 million dead money charge on the Broncos' books over the next two seasons.

Simmons, 30, was scheduled to have the fourth-highest salary cap charge for the 2024 season — $18.25 million. His release would add another $3.75 million in dead money for the Broncos but will save the team $14.5