Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft needs: Garett Bolles comeback season?

4. Safety

Speaking of walking in free agency, the Denver Broncos gave young star safety Justin Simmons the franchise tag, but not a long-term contract.

Simmons is the first player John Elway has franchise tagged who has not received a long-term deal before the initial deadline.

Because the two sides can no longer negotiate until the 2021 offseason, safety has become a bit of a question mark for the Broncos.

Not only does Simmons’ contract situation need to be resolved, but Kareem Jackson is on the final year of his deal in 2021 when he will count for nearly $13 million on the 2021 salary cap.

With over $10 million in savings available by letting Jackson go, there’s another question here of what the Broncos will do financially.

The smarter move would be to give Jackson another couple of years on his deal to lower his 2021 cap hit because he has played well since coming to Denver.

If either one of Simmons or Jackson leaves in the 2021 offseason, the Broncos will need reinforcements.