After a surprise move this morning to move on from Caden Sterns, the Denver Broncos should re-sign Justin Simmons.

Back in March, the Broncos did Simmons dirty by cutting him surprisingly. And this move opens up a roster spot for Simmons, but would he want to come back to the Mile High City?

Denver Broncos should re-sign Justin Simmons but probably won’t

Sterns was working his way into a starter spot beginning way back in 2022. But multiple injuries derailed his progress.

“The depth,” Sean Payton said on Monday. “Part of it is a byproduct of some of these other guys that are playing ahead of him right now.”

For the Broncos, this offseason brought many changes to the safety spot.

First, Simmons was released. Then, veteran Brandon Jones was signed to start, either opposite Sterns or P.J. Locke.

Moving away from Sterns now is further evidence the Broncos are expecting a lot out of Locke in 2024.

Or, could they re-sign Simmons?

Wildly, one of the best safeties in the NFL continues to be a free agent. So, Denver could potentially bring him back, and save some money compared to earlier this year. But even a significant reduction in his $14.5 million salary may be too rich for the Broncos’ blood.

Instead, Benjamin Allbright is reporting Justin Simmons will likely sign with a team next week in the AFC South. That could be the Indianapolis Colts or the Houston Texans.

P.J. Locke looks like the new starting safety

The Broncos paid Jones $20 million for three years. Though, he has been dealing with a hamstring issue and hasn’t been practicing in training camp.

Opposite of Jones looks to be Locke, who battled through injury last year and then played well. As a side note, Jones and Locke played together for three years in college at Texas. And Sterns was there at the same time, too, as a freshman when Locke was as senior. So, Locke and Jones should have some instant chemistry this year.

In 2023, Locke ended up playing in 12 games with the Broncos, totaling 53 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. He played more of a hybrid role, using great tackling technique and speed to put pressure on QBs and running backs alike.

“Last season, I think he began to create that vision for himself to his credit,” Payton said of Locke in June. “[He was] closer to the line as a pressure player, also in coverage. [It is] great to see him out there healthy.”

Not only does it say how high the Broncos are on Locke at safety, but the younger players JL Skinner and Devon Key. Skinner is in his second season, getting in on a few kickoffs last year, and Key is a rookie. Locke could end up playing closer to the line again, and Skinner could be more a coverage safety, possibly. That’ll be determined as camp and preseason continue along.

The Broncos continue their preparation for the 2024 season, with preseason set to kick off this Sunday, Aug. 11 at 11 a.m.