In Denver, Justin Simmons grew from an underrated third-round pick to a Pro Bowl star in eight seasons. The rangy safety continues to grow even after being released by the Broncos this offseason.
Speaking at his inaugural golf classic on Thursday, Simmons said being cut helped him find perspective.
“Obviously, it’d be so great right now to know where I’m going, what I can be studying, who I can be playing for, matchups that I’ll have, and all that good stuff. But ultimately, I think it’s challenging me in a positive way,” Simmons said, via Bradey King of Denver7 News. “I think complacency can be a thing when you just get caught up in a routine of doing the same things over and over and over, finding little increments of growth. For me now, everything’s new. I’m having to ask questions, take accountability, learn from people who have been in it before. Whether they’re three years in, 10 years in, just getting some insight, getting some wisdom. I think it’s going to help me grow tremendously. ...
“It’s helped slow me down. It’s helped me be more present with my family when I haven’t had the chance due to OTAs and not ramping up for camp.”
In eight seasons in Denver, Simmons earned four second-team All-Pro nods and made two Pro Bowls, including last season. He was released in a cost-cutting move that saved the Broncos $18.25 million.
The veteran remains one of several free agents languishing on the market -- Eddie Jackson, Quandre Diggs, etc. -- as we head toward training camp.
The 30-year-old Simmons isn’t fretting about his current unemployment status but simply staying at the ready when his number is called.
“Who knows? I could sign tomorrow, I could sign two weeks into camp, I could sign the first game of the season. You just never know how these things go,” he said. “So, it’s caused me to slow down and give up control because it’s not in my control.”