It’s not personal. Justin Simmons wants to make that crystal clear, right out of the chute, lest things go south.

When words like “franchise tag” and “transition tag” get chucked around during Christmas, egos get stepped on, lines get drawn, and fans sometimes get caught in a contract crossfire.

“If I could choose, I would stay,” the Broncos’ veteran safety told The Denver Post recently. “If the contracts were the same (from) all 32 teams, I’d stay in Denver. It’s a no-brainer. But it just has to work out on both ends of the spectrum.

“At the end of the day, as much as you’re in the building and you preach family, and you’re really behind your guys — with that being said, it’s hard to get the money you deserve when you deserve it in the NFL.”

When it comes to paying at a position that isn’t quarterback, left tackle, cornerback or pass-rush specialist, even no-brainer moves can feel like pulling teeth. And locking up Simmons, long-term, is a no-brainer on paper: The 26-year-old defensive back heads into Sunday’s season finale against the Raiders with a team-high four interceptions and 14 passes defended. He ranks among the NFL’s top 10 at the position in solo tackles (76, eighth) and interceptions (tied fourth).

After Week 15, the scouting site Pro Football Focus had credited the former Boston College standout with only three missed tackles on 86 attempted stops. He’s one of two NFL defensive backs — Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins being the other — to appear on all of his team’s defensive snaps over the past two seasons. No. 31 even had national pundits crying foul over his AFC Pro Bowl snub.

But when Mr. Dependable hits the open market — Simmons is about to play the final game of his four-year rookie contract — all bets are off. So are the kid gloves.

The Florida native may be a jackhammer on the field and a gentleman off it, but when it comes to bread on the table and a contract that can set your grandchildren up for life, no more Mr. Nice Guy.

“It can be tough,” Simmons said. “There are some guys that play out of their minds during their rookie contracts and then maybe not do as well (in a) contract year, and then get a little bit low-balled. And so when you have the chance to be able to earn what you deserve, you should be able to do that.

“And it’s not shots fired at this team that you’re with, or the community that you’ve built. It’s just, unfortunately, the way the business goes. Because if they could keep you for cheaper, obviously, they would.”

It’s not personal. Simmons, a third-round pick in 2016, is making $2.025 million in the final year of his rookie deal. Spotrac.com recently suggested that, based on his age (26) and production, he would be worth $13.9 million in average salary in the current climate, with a fair “market-value” contract landing at five years and $69.67 million.

“You really find your true worth when you’re on a team when you’re winning,” Simmons said. “And so it’s tough to put everything in perspective when you’re not winning those games. It’s hard to have a decent game after a loss and feel good about it. It just isn’t natural. But the thing that’s been encouraging is I feel like we’ve got a great group of guys, especially young talent that’s developing, and it can only go up.

“Honestly, it’s kind of hitting home a little bit more now, just because it is the end. It’s that weird balance of trying to go soak it in but then also knowing that there still could be a possibility of you being here, and just continue to build on the legacy that you built and the relationships that you built, and things like that.”

As the curtain closes on 2019, Broncos general manager John Elway has some intriguing decisions to make. And wiggle room to play with. According to OverTheCap.com, the Broncos have $67.537 million in projected cap space for 2020, 10th-most in the NFL. At the moment, Denver is scheduled to have four players under contract with a salary of $10 million or more: outside linebacker Von Miller ($17.5 million base), quarterback Joe Flacco ($20.25 million), safety/cornerback Kareem Jackson ($11 million) and right tackle Ja’Wuan James ($10 million).

“We’re thrilled that Justin is a Denver Bronco,” Elway told KOA 850 AM recently. “We plan to keep him as a Denver Bronco.” Related Articles “South Park” citizens fill stands at Empower Field at Mile High for Broncos-Buccaneers game

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And they could keep him via the franchise tag, if it comes to that. OverTheCap.com projects a 2020 franchise tag value for safeties at $12.7 million. Which means, either way, Simmons is staring at a big-time raise. From somebody. Somewhere.

“Guys hold out, guys feel (disrespected),” Simmons said. “There are just a lot of different things that happen. And for me, personally, and just this unique situation that I’m in now, it’s not anything that’s against anyone. Other than I want to do what’s best for myself and my family, and that’s all it comes down to.”

It’s not personal. It’s business. Simmons took care of his, especially between the hashmarks.