In the NFL, the best players get paid the most. It’s as simple as a QB sneak on 4th and inches.

The good news is, the Broncos have probably the best safety duo in the National Football League. Justin Simmons is a ball-hawk and one of the best cover safeties, while Kareem Jackson is a human-to-human missile and one of the most physical players in today’s game.

The bad news is: Denver can’t afford to pay them both.

At least, not if it means picking up Jackson’s team option. Don’t get it twisted, Jackson has been phenomenal in two years for the Broncos. He’s a fearsome hitter, putting that on display against his former Houston Texans last year, hitting DeAndre Hopkins with a fury multiple times. That same game, he convinced Jeremiah Attoachu to pitch him a fumble, which Jackson returned 70 yards to the house. And, he’s picked off three passes while in Denver with many more big hits as well.

His best play may have been the hit against Austin Ekeler at the goal line to end the half in LA, forcing a fumble and keeping the Chargers out of the end zone. The lone knock on him is probably the two-game PED suspension in 2019.

After playing with Denver the last two years, Jackson now has that aforementioned team option which would pay him $11 million this year. He’s arguably worth that paycheck, even if he would be the third-highest paid safety in the NFL, but new GM George Paton likely won’t want to pay it.

That’s because Justin Simmons, at 27 years old, is six years younger than Jackson, and he’s the one the Broncos must keep. Denver could franchise tag Simmons, but in hopes of signing him for a longer term deal, which could be around $15 million per year.

ESPN’s John Clayton said on 104.3 The Fan today it’s unlikely the Broncos keep Jackson because of the huge pay he’s in line to receive, which makes sense.

Ideally, the Broncos could convince Jackson to take a pay cut and stay on the team. But, if not, there are plenty of free agent and draft options for Denver.

Karl Joseph

Joseph played for the Raiders for his first four years before moving over to the Cleveland Browns last season. He’s also 27, like Simmons, and if the Broncos like him the two could pair up for multiple years.

After excelling in 2018 with a 74.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, it dropped to 69.9 and then 54.7 last year. Joseph is a bit of a liability in the passing game, but he’s a strong run-stuffer, which is what Denver needs to pair with Simmons’ pass coverage abilities.

Daniel Sorensen

What better way to get back at the Kansas City Chiefs than by stealing one of their key defenders? The Chiefs, of course, have played in the last two Super Bowls while the Broncos have been on the outside of the playoffs looking in for the five years.

Sorensen was targeted a lot in the passing game and gave up a sixth-most 45 receptions last year. That’s the down side. He did rack up three interceptions, though, and forced two fumbles. PFF didn’t like his game much, grading him at a 48.4 overall, 86th-best safety.

Richie Grant, UCF

Grant is versatile because he played mostly as a free safety his first two seasons on the field, picking off six passes in 2018 alone. Then, he converted to play closer to the line and stuff the run. In only nine games as a redshirt senior Grant put up 3 INTs, 3.5 TFLs and 2 forced fumbles.

Hamsah Nasirildeen, FSU

At 6’4″ and 220 pounds, Nasirildeen is a physical specimen, that’s for sure. He loves to hit, but he can also use his big frame to match up well with tight ends in the passing game. And, wouldn’t you know it, the Broncos have struggled mightily in that department as of late.