If there was sentimentality in the Denver Broncos considering Justin Simmons in free agency because he is a former Broncos safety, there is sentimental association in signing Jeremy Chinn.
That’s because Chinn has a direct tie to a beloved Bronco. He is the nephew of Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater.
Could the Smilin’ Assassin encourage the front office to take a look at Chinn? Probably. But whether he is on Sean Payton’s radar is another story.
Jeremy Chinn — Safety/Linebacker
Age: 27 | Experience: Eighth | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 220pounds
Chinn, who was drafted by the woeful Carolina Panthers in 2020, took a one-year, prove-it deal with the Commanders last season and was a big part of their improved defense.
Why the Broncos should sign Jeremy Chinn
Safeties on the roster right now include Brandon Jones, PJ Locke, and JL Skinner. It’s not the biggest of needs for the Broncos but a stronger crew and more depth would definitely be welcomed, and when you’re in the AFC West, you need a plethora of good defensive backs to handle the passing-heavy quarterbacks in the division.
Jones played better than expected while Locke did not live up to the hype. At 27 years old, Chinn is still in the prime of his NFL career, and if he can recreate his 2024 season in which he was much better in coverage than his days in Carolina, he could be a nice addition to Denver’s thin roster.
In Washington, Chinn thrived under Dan Quinn’s tutelage and defense, which the safety called a “run and hit” scheme. Chinn’s versatility as both a safety and linebacker is one of his selling points, and he was very effective using his physicality to disrupt running plays.
Although it shouldn’t actually matter, any tie to Steve Atwater is a selling point. His uncle is one of the best safeties of the game, and he would no doubt have the Smilin’ Assassin’s help on the sidelines should he want it.
And Chinn has shown respect for his uncle’s knowledge too.
“He’s been a great resource for me,” Chinn told Commanders.com last year. “He’s somebody I can always reach out to. He’s somebody who’s done it. He’s always somebody who’s given words of encouragement ... He’s been someone who I can count on. We really built a really good relationship.”
Why the Broncos won’t sign Jeremy Chinn
It’s unclear whether the Commanders wiill keep Chinn, but he certainly made a good case for it last season, playing more like his rookie season when he was runner-up for Rookie Defensive Player of the Year.
He had one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, five passes defensed, two sacks and three QB hits. He also combined for 117 tackles and added 73 on his own. No matter where he was on the field, his motor was apparent. So there’s a better-than-average chance Chinn isn’t even available when the market opens because Washington may want to keep the guy who bet on himself.
It’s possible too that he’ll be asking for more money than the Broncos will want to spend at safety, and as one of the better safeties hitting free agency, he may have some good choices.
Final thoughts
If there is a weaker spot to Chinn’s game, it’s coverage — and that’s a pretty big part of Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme that uses an attacking front with a lot of man-on-man coverage, and blitzing.
But attacking the ball is what Chinn believes he does best, and it’s what he loved in Washington’s scheme.
“There’s no facet of my game that I can’t excel in,” he said about playing up at the line of scrimmage or backing up in coverage.
Being athletic and versatile is also a great addition for VJ’s defenses, plus he’s got the Atwater blood. So if the money is right, Chinn would be a nice piece to add this offseason.
