The list of safeties on the free agent market grew even more enticing on Thursday with the news that the Denver Broncos are to release All-Pro Justin Simmons.

Simmons was due to count $18.25 million against the Broncos' cap in 2024. Instead, his release — first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media — means Simmons becomes one of the top free agents available and could land a significant payday.

A second-team All-Pro in four of the last five seasons, Simmons has been a consistent bright spot for a Broncos team that hasn't sniffed the playoffs since their win in Super Bowl 50 at the end of the 2015 season.

Simmons was drafted in the subsequent offseason, and in his career has racked up 64 pass breakups and 30 interceptions, the latter tally the most in the NFL since he entered the league.

He was franchise tagged in successive seasons by the Broncos before being signed to a four-year, $61 million extension in 2021. Now aged 30, it's unclear whether he'll still be able to command that kind of contract. Derwin James is the highest-paid safety in the NFL, his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $19.13 million a year.

What is not in any doubt is that the safety market in free agency is now loaded with talent, with Simmons joining the likes of Jordan Poyer, Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson, Kevin Byard and Rayshawn Jenkins in being released. Byard (28), Diggs (24) and Poyer (22) are in the top five for most interceptions by safeties since 2016.

Safeties can be an underappreciated despite their clear importance at a period in NFL history in which they play increasingly multiple roles in rotating between the deep middle, the slot and the box.

But Simmons and Co. should feel the love in the coming weeks as free agency kicks into gear, with this group of big-name cast-offs at the position sure to have plenty of suitors for their services.

Buffalo Bills release long-time safety Jordan Poyer ahead of free agency

A great run from the All-Pro safety