Gotsis, Simmons enter contract year with two outlooks
Justin Simmons and Adam Gotsis enter the final year of their Broncos contracts with differing mind-sets. How much do the defensive stalwarts ponder their future in Denver beyond 2019 during the dog days of OTAs?
Simmons: “A lot of thought.” Gotsis: “I haven’t really thought about it too much.”
Plenty has changed in Denver since both players were drafted in 2016. They are on their third head coach, third defensive coordinator and their roles have evolved. Simmons, a thirdround safety, was the only Broncos defensive player last season to not miss a snap (1,077), while ranking second in tackles (97) and tied for first in interceptions (three). Gotsis, a second-round defensive end, played the thirdmost snaps last year among defensive linemen (512) and had six disruptions — sacks/knockdowns/pressures — his most effective NFL season to date.
Both players are being counted on to be stalwarts of Denver’s defense this year in what could also be an audition to remain Broncos long term.
Simmons: “If I had a choice, I would stay here; not even a question of looking elsewhere.”
Gotsis: “This is the place that drafted me, they obviously wanted me here and I’ve loved my time here.”
The Broncos’ decision to keep either player beyond 2019 will first rely on their upcoming production.
Simmons returns as Denver’s unquestioned starter at free safety with the benefit of no current in-house option to replace his specific role. His nine missed tackles last season ranked fifthmost on the team, but through the course of playing several roles in a banged-up secondary. Simmons expects to be more settled into “one position” in 2019, unless called upon to move around.
“I thought last year was OK, and I’m not a mediocre guy,” Simmons said. “I’m excited for this year, just to be able to bounce back, selfishly, and then also get back to winning and going to the postseason.”
Gotsis doesn’t currently top Denver’s D-line hierarchy, but that could change. Fellow defensive end Derek Wolfe will be a 30-year-old free agent in 2020, and if Denver decides to move on from the veteran, Gotsis could be in line to replace him.
Per The Denver Post’s game charting, Gotsis last season had 17 run “stuffs” — gain of 3 or fewer yards, not including short yardage — tied for third-most on the team.
“I really feel like I’m a big part of this defense and this team,” Gotsis said.
Fant signs his contract.
Firstround tight end Noah Fant signed a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth year on Thursday. Fant was selected No. 20 overall.
Per the industry website Spotrac, Fant’s contract will be worth $12.55 million — including a $7.15 million signing bonus. His salary cap charge this year will be $2,282,363.
Fant had 78 catches in three years for Iowa. The Broncos have three unsigned draft picks: second-rounders Dalton Risner and Drew Lock and third-rounder Dre’Mont Jones.