According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Denver Broncos agreed to an agreement with Kareem Jackson to guarantee his return.
Mike Klis of 9News reported that it is a $ 5 million 1-year contract.
The Broncos bring S Kareem Jackson back on a one-year contract, sources confirm. 1st by @RapSheet. Complete secondary: Kareem / Simmons in safety / Darby / Fuller / Callahan in CB. # 9 sports
– Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 23, 2021
After the Broncos and Jackson failed to agree on a “restructured” contract last week, which was likely to be a cut in pay, the veteran’s option for the team was turned down and he became a free agent. The transaction cost the Broncos $ 2,882,353, reaching the ceiling, but freed up $ 10 million in space. Jackson’s departure also raised urgent questions about the security room in 2021.
With Jackson’s return, the Broncos seem ready to start the veteran alongside Justin Simmons for the third year in a row. With the way Vic Fangio’s defense uses a double structure and routinely rotates the security snap, this is good news. Although Jackson never made a Pro Bowl, he and Simmons have been consistent strongholds at the third level.
Bringing the veteran’s safety back shouldn’t stop George Paton from considering security in the next NFL Draft. Jackson will turn 33 on April 10, an age when most of the defensive back has already started to decline. Bringing Jackson back helps to alleviate the immediate need and should provide the technical team with time to prepare an heir.
To date, Jackson has played 26 of the 32 possible games since signing an agreement to join the Broncos in 2019. His only time lost during that period was when he served a suspension for DUI at the end of the 2019 season. Trey Marshall became the holder in his place and ended the season.
Bringing Jackson back puts the Broncos squad in a position where there is only one pressing need if you have questions about Drew Lock. This creates a situation in which George Paton can aggressively negotiate for a novice passer if he deems it necessary. If Paton believes in Lock, the Broncos are now in a position where they can pursue the best talent available at nine or negotiate to accumulate extra draft ammunition.
Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell and Kareem Jackson playing on contracts that expire after the 2021 season. The lineup is currently in a place where it would make sense to pursue Deshaun Watson if the allegations against him did not. if they prove true. The short-term deals would also allow Paton to bypass anyone and everyone, if necessary, to create additional capitalization space in 2022 or “redefine” the list of a new coach.
We will have more information about this story as we learn it.