One of the more questionable decisions of the offseason came from the Denver Broncos as they released veteran safety Justin Simmons. Simmons rose to stardom fairly quickly after being taken in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, earning two Pro Bowl selections over his eight-year career. Just last season, Simmons made the Pro Bowl so the Broncos’ decision to cut him was a strange one.

After missing the playoffs again, the Broncos decided to go in a different direction from the 30-year-old. Many believed that Simmons would be snatched up quickly due to his potential on the field but with only a few weeks remaining before training camp, he remains a free agent.

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Arguably the top free agent remaining on the board, Simmons has been embracing the unknown of what is to come. He spoke with Bradey King of Denver7 News and spoke about the challenge of being a free agent as training camp starts soon.

“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.”

Simmons is still looking for work and could be picked up by a team as training camp starts. Unfortunately, injuries happen every year around this time and Simmons would be a massive addition to any defensive unit. With the Broncos last season, he posted 70 total tackles, one sack, and three interceptions across 15 games. Denver wasn’t very good but Simmons still found different ways to contribute to the team.

“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.”

At this point, Simmons has no control over what happens to him. All he can do is continue to put himself in the best possible position to be ready if his name does get called. With his experience in the NFL, Simmons could provide a team with another veteran presence within the locker room. It shouldn’t be long before some team comes calling and we see Simmons back on the field later this season.

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