Kareem Jackson started for each of Vic Fangio‘s three Broncos defenses, but the veteran defender is back in free agency. Despite the Broncos changing coaching staffs, Jackson is still on the team’s radar.
GM George Paton said the Broncos are exploring another deal with Jackson, per Denver7’s Troy Renck (on Twitter). The team has spoken with the veteran safety about coming back. Jackson is interested in staying as well (Twitter link). Finances will need to line up, but the parties huddled up last year to reach a revised agreement.
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The Broncos cut Jackson in 2021 but re-signed him to a reduced rate, shedding the converted cornerback’s three-year, $33MM deal and bringing him back for one year and $5MM. Jackson made 15 starts and tallied 88 tackles in his third Broncos season and third year as a full-time safety.
Jackson’s age may be an issue; he will turn 34 next month. The 2022 season would be the former first-rounder’s 13th in the NFL. But the longtime Texans cornerback has been a key player for the Broncos since relocating in 2019. The Broncos held onto Jackson at the trade deadline despite the veteran having drawn outside interest.
Denver drafted Caden Sterns in the 2021 fifth round and used him frequently as a backup; the Texas product intercepted two passes and added two sacks. Sterns would be an obvious candidate to succeed Jackson alongside Justin Simmons, but the Broncos — having just traded for Russell Wilson — may opt for more certainty with Jackson as they prepare to compete in a loaded AFC West.