Chris Harris Jr. Believes Broncos 'Could Have Worked Things Out' With Justin Simmons

Did the Broncos make the right decision to release Justin Simmons?

The Denver Broncos made a surprising roster decision earlier this week, cutting ties with long-time safety Justin Simmons. Simmons is a two-time Pro-Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro player, but his time in the Mile High City has expired. 

After missing the postseason again last season, the Broncos are undergoing many changes. They want to get themselves back to a place of contending each year, and this was a move they believe will help them get their cap situation back in order.

However, former Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. believes that the Broncos could have worked something out with Simmons. He discussed Simmons' release on Let's Ride with Chris Chiotti to discuss the next steps for the Broncos.

"I think they could have worked it out with Justin. I don't know what happened there, you know. I think that's a situation where they could have tried to made it. But apparently, they just thought it was a great time for Justin to move."

Simmons has been one of the better defenders in the NFL since being drafted in 2016, giving some relevancy to the Broncos. He has been the face of the Denver defense, so this move was a little alarming even with them looking to save salary. 

"Who's going to be the face of the Broncos? Right now, we can fully say that they're pretty much rebuilding. You know, when you lose Justin, he's pretty much has been the spokesman for the Broncos for the last what would you say, five years?"

The Broncos are now entering a strange period for the franchise. They have a highly-paid head coach in Sean Payton, but the roster leaves much to be desired. 

They have normally been fairly competitive over the years, but this could be the best move for their future. Denver plays in a very tough division, so rebuilding may be exactly what they need.