DENVER — Broncos star safety Justin Simmons plans to his sign franchise tender, sources told Denver7 on Friday.
The sides have until Wednesday at 2 p.m. to agree to an extension or he plays on franchise tag this season, a guaranteed $11.44 million.
Simmons, who was second-team All-Pro last season as Denver’s best player, has earned a longterm deal. But this year is complicated by potential lost revenue with limited attendance, anticipated future salary cap adjustments and teams not looking to give huge signing bonuses.
The danger of not giving Simmons an extension is that the price goes up with another strong season. However, the team could place the tag on him again for a second season.
Under general manager John Elway, the previous four tagged players — Matt Prater, Ryan Clady, Demaryius Thomas and Von Miller — all received longterm contracts.
Everything, though, is different right now given the uncertainties.
Simmons, who has named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year for his community work, excelled in the first year of Vic Fangio’s defense. Simmons boasts 11 career interceptions and has not missed a single snap the past two seasons.
