When the Denver Broncos signed defensive back Kareem Jackson to a three-year, $33 million contract in March, we assumed he would play cornerback. Through two weeks of organized team activities, though, Jackson has been practicing at safety.

That doesn’t mean Jackson won’t also spend some time at cornerback, but right now he’s focused on safety. That means he’s putting in a lot of work with fellow safety Justin Simmons, who appreciates having a veteran leader across from him in the secondary.

“Kareem has been great,” Simmons said after practice Thursday. “I’m really excited about Kareem . . . . He brings great versatility in the back end. Safety, nickel, corner, wherever you need to put him is where he’ll go. A lot of experience. Very similar to a guy like Chris [Harris Jr.]. I’m excited.

“It’s been a super easy transition back there. We’ve had some reps back there at safety. Communication has been solid. Like I’ve said, there is always stuff that you can continue to work on and get better at, especially with a new defensive system.”

Jackson spent the first eight years of his career playing cornerback with the Houston Texans before moving to a hybrid safety position last year. No matter where he lines up in Denver’s secondary, Jackson’s experience will be invaluable for the Broncos.

“The biggest that he brings is just his knowledge of the game,” Simmons said. “I think he’s been around football so much and he sees things probably a little bit faster than most guys will being that he plays nickel and corner and closer to the line of scrimmage so that he can see route combinations develop before they even happen.

“Sometimes he’s jumping plays before the route even develops. On film you’re looking at it, and you’re like what the heck is he doing, but he’s at the right spot at the right time. I’m excited.”

Jackson, 31, has totaled 559 tackles, two sacks and 16 interceptions to this point in his career. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Jackson and Simmons end up as the team’s two starting safeties in the team’s season opener against the Oakland Raiders on Sept. 9.