Simmons: Broncos could've worked out long-term deal if they wanted to

Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons is among an unusually high number of NFL players set to play on the franchise tag this season.

With the COVID-19 pandemic clouding the league's future finances, 12 of the 14 players slapped with the tag in March failed to get long-term extensions. However, Simmons said Friday on NFL Network that Denver could've figured out how to pay him but instead chose to let him play on the one-year, $11.44-million tag.

"If the Broncos wanted to get a deal done, they would've," he said, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "And so the reality is another year on the franchise tag is like a contract year all over again. Year 2 in (head coach) Vic's (Fangio) system with all the weapons that we have, I'm more than confident in myself and what I can do.

"Moving forward, we'll just have to see. It's a business decision on both ends. Whatever's in my best interest and my family's best interest is always what I'm going to do."

Simmons put together a breakout 2019 campaign, earning second-team All-Pro honors after racking up four interceptions, 15 pass defenses, and 93 total tackles.

The Broncos standout will be the seventh-best-paid safety in the league in 2020 in terms of annual salary. With a strong supporting cast, Simmons could potentially push for the top spot if he replicates last season's performance.

"I can't say enough good things about our defense," he said. "You talk about a motivated defense at that. Guys willing to prove themselves. ... I'm excited. The season can't get here fast enough. We just need to get back to some football."

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