The Broncos signed Simmons to a four-year, $3.06 million contract on May 13, 2016, which also included a $645,420 signing bonus. Simmons was expected to be the starting backup safety going into training camp.
Behind Darian Stewart, head coach Gary Kubiak selected Simmons as the backup free safety to start the regular season.
In the Broncos’ season-opening game against the Carolina Panthers, Simmons made his NFL debut and contributed one tackle to the close 21-20 victory. Due to a wrist injury, Simmons was inactive for the Broncos’ Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Simmons competed at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and set a 2006-era best time for the 20-yard shuttle (3.85s) (3.81s). With a time of 10.84 seconds, he also tied Braxton Miller for the fastest 60-yard shuttle since 2014 (10.72).
He also placed second overall in the three-cone drill and had the fastest time in the 60-yard shuttle. Simmons took part in Boston College’s pro day on March 16, 2016, but opted to stand on the most of his combine performance times and just run the 40-yard dash (4.53s), 20-yard dash (2.62s), and 10-yard dash (1.56s).
On December 21, 2020, Simmons received a Pro Bowl berth for 2021. When Derek Carr threw a pass in Week 17’s 32-31 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Simmons intercepted it for his fifth interception of the year, a career-high.
Is Justin Simmons still on the Broncos? Is Justin Simmons hurt? Is Justin Simmons back?
Yes, he is still a player for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Simmons suffered a quad injury and was placed on injured reserve on September 14, 2022. He was activated on October 17.