Russell Wilson & Locker Room Took Strong Decision to Address Disastrous Season, Says Justin Simmons

“Sean is very like controlling. He wants you to run what he calls,” said Simmons. “And when you start butting heads with two alphas, that’s the result that’s going to happen.”

The tensions reached another level when reports surfaced that Denver approached Wilson during the bye week about renegotiating the injury guarantee in his contract, a claim Wilson later confirmed. However, the Broncos publicly denied that any threats were made.

This fiasco has led some fans and media to think Wilson was being “sabotaged” by Payton

Meanwhile, Denver’s financial situation following Wilson’s exit forced the front office to make difficult roster decisions.

Simmons’ Next Chapter Began After Tough Broncos Decision

Simmons’ departure from the Denver Broncos came as part of a larger roster decision. After spending eight seasons with the team, the veteran was released as Denver worked to create additional salary cap flexibility.

After Wilson exited the Broncos, the team was left carrying $85 million in dead cap charges, with $53 million affecting the 2024 salary cap alone. The financial strain forced Denver to consider moving on from key veterans such as Simmons, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, or left tackle Garrett Bolles.

Ultimately, Payton decided to release the veteran safety. Two years later, Simmons reflected more openly on the decision.

“We had a dead cap with Russ. I think it was like 60 or 80, something up there, million,” Simmons said. “We was in dead cap. So, myself, Courtland Sutton, and Garett Bolles, the left tackle, we’re the three highest paid guys.”

Simmons signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons and stepped into a veteran role in the secondary. He announced his retirement on April 29, 2026, closing out a journey that included nearly a decade in Denver and one final season in Atlanta.