Simmons: Free agency a positive challenge after Broncos release

Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons remains optimistic despite not signing with a team following his release by the Denver Broncos in March.

"Obviously, it'd be so great right now to know where I'm going, what I can be studying, who I can be playing for, matchups that I'll have, and all that good stuff. But ultimately, I think it's challenging me in a positive way," Simmons said, per Denver7 News' Bradey King.

Simmons added, "For me now, everything's new. I'm having to ask questions, take accountability, learn from people who have been in it before, whether they're three years in, 10 years in. Just getting some insight, getting some wisdom. I think it's going to help me grow tremendously."

The 30-year-old remains one of the more high-profile free-agents remaining as teams are set to start training camp later in July. Simmons headlines a group of safeties still looking for new landing spots that includes Eddie Jackson and Quandre Diggs.

Jamal Adams was among that group of free-agent safeties prior to signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

Simmons spent eight seasons with the Broncos after being selected in the third round of the 2016 draft. He was released by Denver in a cost-cutting move that saved the organization nearly $18.25 million. The former Boston College standout recorded 70 tackles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions to earn the second Pro Bowl nod of his career.

While Simmons isn't sure when or where he'll sign, he's opting to be patient.

"Who knows? I could sign tomorrow, I could sign two weeks into camp, I could sign the first game of the season. You just never know how these things go," he said. "So, it's caused me to slow down and give up control because it's not in my control."

Simmons tallied 604 tackles, 30 interceptions, and 19 tackles for loss and earned four second-team All-Pro designations during his tenure in Denver.

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