Bills sign ex-Broncos safety Kareem Jackson to 1-year contract

The Buffalo Bills have signed veteran safety Kareem Jackson to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Jackson, 36, entered the league as a first-round pick out of Alabama with the Houston Texans in 2010. After beginning his career as a cornerback, Jackson later transitioned to playing safety full-time in 2018.

One year after his position switch, Jackson signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Denver Broncos. He later signed one-year deals to return in 2022 and 2023. Jackson totaled 342 tackles, 22 pass breakups, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries and one touchdown in 69 games with Denver.

Spotrac.com estimates that Jackson has earned just under $80 million during his 14-year career, including $32 million earned with the Broncos (although a portion of that was forfeited due to fines and suspensions).

Jackson was suspended twice, ejected from two games and fined four times for unnecessary roughness last season. Denver waived him late in the 2023 season and the veteran defensive back finished the year with the Houston Texans.

During his second suspension last season, Jackson met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York. Jackson later implied that the meeting was not helpful.

“I was told that I’m responsible for the offensive guys’ protection,” Jackson said last December. “So I’m not really sure how I protect myself, make plays and protect him [the opponent] as well, but that’s what I was told. I’m not really sure what I do moving forward, as far as playing this game. So, hopefully, I’ll figure it out.”

Jackson is now set to return for his 15th season in the NFL. Meanwhile, fellow ex-Broncos safety Justin Simmons, 30, remains a free agent.