BC’s Simmons cut by Broncos
Justin Simmons became one of the top free agents on the market Thursday when the Broncos released their star safety in a cost-cutting move.
Simmons is the first veteran to pay the price for the enormous dead cap charges the Broncos are facing when they release quarterback Russell Wilson next week.
A second-team All-Pro in four of his last five seasons, Simmons intercepted multiple passes in each of his eight years in Denver and his 30 picks lead all NFL players since his rookie season in 2016, when the Broncos selected him in the third round out of Boston College.
Simmons was set to earn $14.5 million this upcoming season, the final year of the four-year, $61 million deal he signed in 2021.
All high-earning veterans on the Broncos roster are vulnerable to release because the team is facing a record $85 million in dead cap charges in the fallout from Wilson’s impending departure.
Dolphins, TE Smith agree
The Dolphins and tight end Jonnu Smith agreed to terms on a two-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, giving the Dolphins a pass-catching threat that they lacked at tight end last season.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
Smith, 28, who played two seasons with the Patriots, visited the Dolphins on Tuesday, a week after the Falcons released him in a cost-cutting move. He set career highs with 50 receptions for 582 yards for Atlanta in 2023. He also had three touchdown catches.
QB Trubisky lands with Bills
Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is returning to Buffalo to reprise his role as Josh Allen’s backup after signing a twoyear contract.
The player selected No. 2 overall in the 2017 draft rejoins the Bills after failing to re-establish himself as a starter during two rocky seasons with the Steelers. Trubisky was cut by Pittsburgh last month after going 2-5 — including 0-2 last season — in 12 overall appearances and eventually losing the backup job to Mason Rudolph.
The Bills continue to believe in Trubisky, who at 6 feet, 2 inches and 220 pounds has the size and mobility to oversee a similar offensive scheme as Allen. Trubisky spent the 2021 season with Buffalo, where he was limited to mop-up duty in completing six of eight pass attempts for 43 yards and an interception in six appearances.
Jaguars, G Cleveland agree
The Jaguars and guard Ezra Cleveland agreed to a three-year, $28.5 million contract that includes $14.5 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with negotiations.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side had announced the deal publicly.
The move prevents Cleveland from hitting the free-agent market next week and should solidify a position that was a revolving door in front of franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence last season.
Mathieu stays with Saints
Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a new two-year contract that runs through the 2025 season. The 31-year-old Mathieu, a 11-year veteran out of LSU and a New Orleans native, previously was under contract through 2024 . . . The Steelers released safety Keanu Neal after he failed a physical. Neal played in nine games for the Steelers in 2023, eight of them starts.