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The Broncos have parted ways Shamarko Thomas and Dymonte Thomas, which brings the current safety group to 4.
S Shamarko Thomas has been released, per source. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 31, 2019
Dymonte Thomas has been waived/injured, per source. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 31, 2019
Long thought a strength of the current roster, the Broncos safety group under Vic Fangio is now down to 4. Barring an outside addition after other team’s make their moves today, it looks like Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Will Parks, and Trey Marshall are your safeties Broncos Country.
Justin Simmons is the Bronco DB who looks likeliest to have a true breakout performance under Fangio. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft and has flashed sky high potential the last two seasons.
Justin Simmons with a pick. Unofficially, I think that’s his sixth INT of camp.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 16, 2019
After he signed with Denver in free agency, it looked like Kareem Jackson would play corner for the Broncos. Instead, he’s played safety alongside Simmons through most of camp. He provides the flexibility to fill in at either role.
If he moves down to corner, Will Parks would step in at safety. A fifth round pick in the 2016 draft, Parks quietly had a superb season last year as a Swiss Army knife for Vance Joseph. He played 198 snaps at free safety, 88 snaps at slot corner, 42 snaps at outside linebacker and even 20 snaps at outside cornerback.
Chris Harris Jr. allowed the lowest passer rating on throws into his coverage out of ALL defenders in the AFC West. #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/guyokhxsqk
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) May 17, 2019
There remains a possibility Vic Fangio’s familiarity with the Chicago Bears’ roster could lead to another safety being added to contribute on special teams and serve as depth behind Simmons, Parks, and Jackson.
Barring that, this looks like your New Fly Zone, Broncos Country.