After trying to re-structure the final year of his 3-year contract, new Broncos General Manager George Paton ultimately decided to part ways with veteran safety Kareem Jackson and decline to pick up his $1.5 Million option due Tuesday, as well as save the $10 Million they would've owed him this season. In addition the moves saves more than $7 Million in cap space in 2020, although there is $2.8 Million cap hit they endure.
Jackson came to Denver after 9 years in Houston, "KJack" as he's affectionately known was learning bother slot corner and safety in Vic Fangio's defense. After settling in at safety, he excelled, earning a nod as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2019.
On the field, Jackson posted 71 tackles a year ago, and 89 this past season. He also snagged 3 interceptions in the Mile High City. Last year he and Justin Simmons formed the highest paid safety duo in the NFL. Now there's a void next to Simmons that in the short term will be filled by Trey Marshall, who returns as an "Exclusive Rights Free Agent." There's also a chance Will Parks is brought back but "Philly Will" is an unrestricted free agent for the 2nd year in a row.
There is expected to be a market for Jackson, but at age 33, it may be limited.