Denver, CO — December 2025
The Denver Broncos may suddenly have a familiar solution staring them in the face after safety Brandon Jones was placed on injured reserve with a chest injury, an absence that could stretch through the heart of a potential Super Bowl push.
League sources indicate a former franchise cornerstone has quietly opened the door to a return, willing to rejoin Denver on a one-year, $2 million deal if the opportunity presents itself. The timing, circumstances, and need all appear to align.
That player is Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro and one of the most accomplished safeties in Broncos history. Simmons spent eight seasons in Denver from 2016 to 2023, establishing himself as the emotional and tactical backbone of the defense during one of the franchise’s most turbulent eras.
On the field, Simmons’ résumé speaks for itself. He recorded 30 interceptions in a Broncos uniform, ranking seventh all-time in franchise history, and led the entire NFL with
six interceptions in 2022, despite playing only 12 games. From 2018 through 2021, Simmons did not miss a single defensive snap, logging 3,328 consecutive plays, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most durable defensive leaders.
By the time he left Denver, Simmons had totaled 604 tackles, 64 pass breakups, and 4.5 sacks, combining elite ball-hawking instincts with reliable run support. In 2022, he became the
first recipient of the Demaryius Thomas Team MVP Award, voted on by the Denver sports media, a reflection of both performance and leadership.
Simmons’ impact extended well beyond the field. He was nominated as the Broncos’
Walter Payton Man of the Year candidate three consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2021, recognizing his sustained commitment to community service. Through the Justin Simmons Foundation, he focused on youth development, hunger relief, and educational initiatives throughout the Denver area. His professionalism also earned him
three Darrent Williams Good Guy Awards for his openness and integrity with the local media.
The relationship between Simmons and the Broncos ended not with friction, but finance. In March 2024, Denver released him due to salary-cap constraints. Upon his departure, Simmons delivered a message that still resonates with the fan base.
“I’ll always be a Bronco for life.”
Though he later continued his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Simmons has never stopped being viewed as a modern Broncos icon. Now, with Denver facing a sudden void at safety and chasing championship relevance, his willingness to return on a modest, short-term deal carries weight.
At 32 years old, Simmons is no longer commanding top-of-market money. But his experience, instincts, and locker-room presence remain invaluable, particularly for a team navigating adversity with postseason ambitions.
For the Broncos, this is no longer just a sentimental idea. With Brandon Jones sidelined and the margin for error shrinking, a reunion with one of the franchise’s most respected defenders may represent both
a football upgrade and a symbolic rallying point.
Sometimes, the answer isn’t about chasing the future. Sometimes, it’s about welcoming back the standard.
