The Denver Broncos took a tough hit on defense when safety Brandon Jones suffered a pectoral injury in the matchup against the Green Bay Packers. While he’s currently seeking a second opinion, the immediate impact is clear: Jones is heading to injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks.
The worst-case scenario? Season-ending surgery.
That would be a major blow for a Broncos secondary that’s already had its share of shuffling.
So where does Denver turn now?
The most straightforward answer is PJ Locke. He’s no stranger to stepping up when the team needs him.
Locke filled in admirably during Kareem Jackson’s suspension back in 2023 and earned a full-time starting role in 2024. That momentum was interrupted when the Broncos added Talanoa Hufanga this past offseason, pushing Locke into more of a rotational and special teams role.
But now, with Jones sidelined, Locke has a real shot to reclaim his old spot - and it wouldn’t cost the Broncos anything extra.
Locke brings experience, familiarity with the system, and a physical presence that fits well with what Denver likes to do on the back end. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady - and in a defense that’s trying to find consistency, that matters.
Still, there’s one name that keeps popping up in conversations around Denver: Justin Simmons.
The veteran safety spent eight standout seasons with the Broncos before being released and landing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Simmons was more than just a reliable playmaker - he was the heartbeat of the secondary and a consistent thorn in the side of division rival Patrick Mahomes. His ability to cover ground, read the quarterback, and lead from the back end made him one of the most respected safeties in the league during his time in Denver.
But Simmons’ departure wasn’t just a roster move - it was part of a broader overhaul by head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton, who have made it clear they’re not afraid to move on from fan favorites in pursuit of a new vision. That makes a reunion with Simmons a bit complicated. There’s history there - and not all of it warm.
When Simmons faced the Broncos as a member of the Falcons in 2024, there was a noticeable edge to his game. He played with a chip on his shoulder, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
According to former teammate Su’a Cravens, Simmons had expressed interest in returning to Denver ahead of the 2025 offseason. But so far, he’s remained unsigned, reportedly being selective about where - and if - he wants to play again.
So, could Simmons be an option? Technically, yes.
He’s a free agent, and the Broncos could use a proven veteran presence in the secondary. But given the circumstances of his departure and the direction the team is heading under Payton, it feels like a long shot.
For now, the most likely path is the one already on the roster: PJ Locke stepping back into a starting role and trying to stabilize a defense that’s been through its fair share of changes. It might not be the headline-grabbing move fans are hoping for, but it’s a logical, cost-effective solution - and one that could pay off if Locke continues to build on his past performances.
The Broncos are at a crossroads in their season, and how they respond to this latest setback could say a lot about where they're headed. Whether it’s Locke, a free agent, or a mix of both, Denver’s defense will need to adapt - and fast.