Kareem Jackson Sticking With Broncos for 2021

The Denver Broncos have re-signed safety Kareem Jackson reportedly to a one-year, $5 million contract, keeping the former Crimson Tide cornerback in the Mile High City for one more season.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report the re-signing, while Broncos reporter Brandon Krisztal was the first to report the details of the new detail.

Interestingly, Jackson had declined the option on his original contract with the Broncos. He remained active in support of the team, though, openly recruiting Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Jackson’s original contract was a three-year deal worth $33 million. His guarantees in 2021 were just $1.5 million, but still left the Broncos on the books for $13.5 million against the cap. This new deal is undoubtedly better for both parties.

Jackson has spent the past two seasons with the Broncos as a safety after his first seasons with the Houston Texans, which drafted him 20th overall in 2010,as a cornerback. He's seen a career resurgence with Vic Fangio's defense, starting 29 games and grabbing three interceptions and 160 tackles. Though Jackson was never considered anything remotely resembling a bust, he is now considered one of the top free safeties in the NFL.

Get our free mobile app

Heading into his 12th season, Jackson has accumulated $69.6 million in total earnings.

Unless offensive tackle Andre Smith returns for his 12th season after opting out of the 2020 season (13 total seasons,) Jackson will be considered the longest tenured Alabama alumni in the NFL.

Jackson played for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2009, playing a key role on the 2009 national champion team. During his time with Alabama Jackson snagged five interceptions and 106 tackles.

The Broncos have been a team often mocked to select Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain, though the team may have solved that position through free agency, bringing in Kyle Fuller from Chicago and Ronald Darby from Washington.