Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II on Justin Simmons Release: ‘This One Hurt Man!’

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVMarch 7, 2024

AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Patrick Surtain II is going to miss his former teammate in the secondary during the 2024 season.

After the Denver Broncos announced Thursday they released safety Justin Simmons, the cornerback took to social media and expressed his sadness with the news:

Patrick Surtain @PatSurtainllThis one hurt man ! 😢

Simmons was one of the faces of the Broncos, and the team released a statement underscoring what he meant to the organization:

“Justin Simmons’ impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization,” the Broncos said in a statement. “In addition to growing into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year devoted to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change. Whether it was in Denver or his hometown of Stuart, Florida, Justin inspired and mentored countless youth while providing unwavering support to the community. The hundreds of hours he spent at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club will be as much a part of Justin’s legacy with the Broncos as his leadership, dependability and many interceptions.

“Justin will always be a Bronco, and we thank him for the outstanding manner in which he represented our organization on and off the field. We wish Justin, his wife Taryn, and their children Laney, Shae and Kyler the very best in the future.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the move saved Denver $14.5 million against its salary cap.

Still, it will be unusual to see the safety in a different uniform in 2024 after eight excellent seasons for the Broncos. The 2016 third-round draft pick was a two-time Pro Bowler and constant force at the backend of the defense for the AFC West team.

He finished the 2023 campaign with 70 tackles, eight passes defended, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack after he led the league with six interceptions in 2022.

Simmons’ 30 career interceptions is seventh in franchise history.

Fortunately for the Broncos, they will still have one of the best cornerbacks in the league anchoring their secondary in Surtain. However, the two-time Pro Bowler will have to adjust next season and beyond since he has grown accustomed to playing alongside Simmons.

As for Simmons, he will surely generate plenty of interest coming off a Pro Bowl season at 30 years old. But it is clear Surtain didn’t want him to go elsewhere.