The Denver Broncos have signed Justin Simmons to a long-term contract that makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. 

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Simmons has inked a four-year, $61million deal. 

It comes after the Broncos placed the franchise tag on Simmons for the second successive year, though they had long spoken of their desire to get a long-term deal done. 

Simmons has established himself as one of the top safeties in the NFL since being drafted in the third round in 2016. 

His 16 interceptions since entering the league are tied for second among all safeties across that timeframe. 

Simmons also has 37 pass breakups in the same span, ranking him eighth at his position since 2016. 

After being named second-team All-Pro in 2019, Simmons was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2020.