Flurry of veteran salary dumps floods NFL free agency with a surplus of safeties
There's suddenly a slew of safeties available when NFL free agency opens next week
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Justin Simmons' release isn't just collateral damage from the Russell Wilson debacle in Denver, but the latest sign of a shifting of priorities in the NFL that's resulted in a surplus of safeties flooding the free agent market.
Like inside linebackers and running backs before them, safeties are finding that teams are more and more inclined to prioritize passers, pass rushers, offensive and defensive linemen, wide receivers and cornerbacks.
This trend, combined with the $85 million in dead cap charges facing the Broncos when they release Wilson as the new league year begins Wednesday, resulted in the Broncos cutting ties with Simmons to save $14.5 million.
A cornerstone of the community, Simmons is a perennial All-Pro who leads the NFL with 30 interceptions since joining in the league in 2016. He also holds the distinction of having the most interceptions — five — of three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.
