P.J. Locke will remain in Denver.
The fourth-year safety agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal, a source told The Denver Post on Saturday night. Locke’s return to the Broncos comes after the team let go two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons on Thursday.
Locke had his best season as a pro in 2023. The former Texas standout registered 53 tackles, two forced fumbles, five passes defended, three sacks and an interception in 12 games.
After Locke missed the first four games of the season due to injury, he made eight starting appearances, filling in for former Denver safety Kareem Jackson, who was suspended twice for illegal hits before getting waived in December.
The departure of Simmons left a huge hole to fill in the secondary. Locke has shown the ability to be a quality starter while his deal doesn’t hinder a Broncos team that’s been trying to create salary cap flexibility.
Denver re-signing Locke is among a handful of moves the team has made this week. Following the departure of quarterback Russell Wilson, Simmons and tight end Chris Manhertz, the Broncos traded wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for a pair of Day 3 draft picks on Saturday.
Wide receiver Tim Patrick agreed to restructure the final year of his contract while starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey’s $15 million base salary was converted into a signing bonus.
Locke and Caden Sterns have a strong chance of being Denver’s starting safeties in 2024. Sterns was a starter this past season but suffered a torn patella tendon in Week 1 against Las Vegas, which kept him sidelined the rest of the year.
He said in January that he expects to be involved in the offseason program and OTAs to some degree. However, Sterns is unsure if he will be a full participant.
JL Skinner will also have a chance to carve out a bigger role for himself after playing one defensive snap and nine on special teams in his rookie season.
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