The Denver Broncos are focused on the future as they move forward into 2024, looking to establish an entirely new identity. At safety in particular, the Broncos are bringing back a core player who is ready for a full time workload as a starter.
Denver Broncos re-sign P.J. Locke to two-year deal
The safety position for the Denver Broncos will look entirely different this upcoming season after the team moved on from veteran All-Pro Justin Simmons. After the Simmons release, the vision or direction of the safety position was unclear, but that vision became clearer on Saturday after the Broncos re-signed P.J. Locke to a two-year deal.
He was one of Denver’s top in-house free agents who was set to test the market next week, but the Broncos stepped in to ensure he didn’t hit the open market.
Locke has been a core young player for the Broncos since 2019 as he worked his way from the practice squad to the active roster, maintaining a role as a core special teams ace and emerging as a starting safety in 2023. Now he’ll be the featured guy this upcoming season.
#Broncos safety P.J. Locke's journey this season has been a test of patience. Was discouraged after landing on IR, but his bond with his teammates, coaches helped him stay the course. Paid off today with a game-winning interception. pic.twitter.com/5MOV1dKj16
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) October 23, 2023
Having learned so much from players like Simmons and veteran Kareem Jackson, Locke is ready to take the reigns as a full-time starter. His contract is a two-year deal worth $7M, with a maximum value of $9M that he can earn.
In 2023, he accumulated 53 tackles, one interception, three sacks, and five passes defensed in 12 games.
Last season, he became the first Broncos safety to record a sack in three straight games. His knowledge of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme allowed him to step into the starting role seamlessly after the NFL suspended Jackson.
His “I’m here” moment came in the very game Jackson was ejected from, as his game-winning interception helped the Broncos kick off their five-game win streak that had them back in the NFL postseason picture.
Justin Simmons talks about P.J. Locke's game-winning interception pic.twitter.com/DNn2Rq6r5A
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) October 23, 2023
Veterans like Simmons have played a pivotal role in the locker room and DB room for players like Locke, Caden Sterns, Delarrin Turner-Yell, and JL Skinner. As the Broncos move forward with a youth movement, Locke and Sterns are expected to be the starting duo heading into next season.
Denver will still need to invest in some potential veteran depth or insurance policies in the offseason.
Besides those players, the Broncos also have Devon Key, Keidron Smith, and Tanner McCalister on the roster.
Locke has a chance to continue to establish a large name for himself as the Broncos look to the future going into 2024. This is a great move for Denver who wanted to keep Locke in the mix going forward.