The Denver Broncos’ starting safety tandem will look different next season as they will have two new starters in 2024. P.J. Locke looks to start, while JL Skinner or Brandon Jones looks to start on the other side. This news comes after they parted ways with their two starters from last season.
The Broncos released Kareem Jackson near the end of December after being suspended twice in 2023. The NFL suspended him for two games after his hit on Luke Musgrave and four games after his hit on Joshua Dobbs. Jackson spent the last five seasons with the team, starting 69 games.
They also parted ways with their Pro Bowler.
The Denver Broncos released their 2-time Pro Bowler
The Broncos released Justin Simmons in a cost-cutting move in March. Simmons, a third-round pick from 2016, spent the first eight seasons with the Broncos, recording 30 interceptions and 64 pass deflections in 118 games and 108 starts. He surprisingly remains a free agent.
They parted ways with another safety.
The Denver Broncos waived their four-year player
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Broncos waived Caden Sterns after failing to find a trade suitor. Sterns, a former 5th-round pick from 2021, enters his fourth year in the league. He has been limited to 21 games.
There are two reasons why they cut him.
Reason #1
First, he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. As mentioned, Sterns has missed 30 of 51 regular season games in his first three seasons. He missed two games with a shoulder and neck injury in 2021, 12 with a hip injury in 2022, and 16 with a patellar tendon injury in 2023.
It’s a shame that injuries have prevented him from reaching his maximum potential. He is a talented player when he plays.
Reason #2
Second, JL Skinner continues to impress the Broncos throughout training camp. Skinner, a 6th-round pick from 2023, didn’t play much as a rookie, missing 15 games and being limited to one defensive snap. He has a shot of winning the starting safety job since Brandon Jones is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.
Don’t be surprised if Sterns draws interest from many teams.
