The Denver Broncos have placed the franchise tag on Justin Simmons as they aim to work out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl safety. 

A third-round pick by Denver in the 2016 draft, Simmons has made 279 tackles and recorded 16 interceptions and two sacks in 74 games in his NFL career.

The 27-year-old has been an ever-present in the Broncos' defense for the past three seasons, playing all 16 games in those campaigns, while he was voted second-team All-Pro in 2019. 

It is the second successive year where Simmons has received the tag, a move that stops him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. 

However, Broncos general manager George Paton has made clear his determination to agree terms on an extension that will keep the player with the team "for many years to come". 

"Designating Justin with the franchise tag is a procedural move that allows us to continue working on a long-term deal," Paton said in a statement released on Friday.  

"We are completely focused on making sure Justin remains a big part of the Denver Broncos for many years to come." 

Denver finished last season with a 5-11 record, not aided by the absence of edge rusher Von Miller for the entire campaign due to injury. 

Their defense under head coach Vic Fangio gave up 6.54 yards per play, though they ranked 13th in the league against the pass.