The Denver Broncos unfortunately lost a big role player in the defense when safety Brandon Jones went down against the Green Bay Packers with a pectoral injury. Jones is seeking a second opinion, but he will have to miss at least four weeks after landing on injured reserve. A worst-case scenario would require season-ending surgery.
Next in line on the Broncos‘ depth chart seems to be safety PJ Locke, who has significant experience at the position after initially filling in for a suspended Kareem Jackson in 2023 and then taking over full-time starting duties in 2024. Locke started alongside Jones before Denver signed Talanoa Hufanga in the 2025 offseason, which bumped Locke down to rotational duties and special teams roles. Locke reclaiming his old starting spot would likely be the most cost-effective and easiest way to go.
However, if the Broncos wanted to turn to free agents who are not currently on any teams, they could turn to a fan-favorite and strong option at the position: Justin Simmons.
Simmons most recently played for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 after he was released following eight years of service with the Broncos. Simmons had many standout plays with Denver, with much of his work coming as a back-end passing blanket who was a thorn in the side of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Simmons was a constant, only missing a handful of games due to injury, and prior to his release, was the longest tenured player the Broncos had.
It may be a little bit of an awkward reunion, though. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton were the regime that released Simmons, and it was clear Simmons had a fire in his belly when playing Denver as a member of the Falcons in 2024.
Ex-teammate Su’a Cravens spoke to Simmons prior to the 2025 offseason, and hinted that Simmons would want an orange and blue reunion. How open Payton would be to such an option remains to be seen. Simmons did not sign with any teams in the offseason and he has been “very picky” with his playing options in the future.
Payton has done his part tearing the Broncos‘ roster from the top down, not sparing any fan favorites, and shaping the roster for success to the best of his ability. While it would be exciting to see Simmons back, it seems unlikely there would be a reunion at this point in the season.
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