The Denver Broncos have locked up one of their key defensive assets for years to come. On Thursday, the Colorado franchise announced it had reached an agreement with linebacker Nik Bonitto on a four-year contract extension worth up to $120 million, including $70 million guaranteed.
At 25 years old, Nik Bonitto was entering the final year of his rookie contract signed in 2022. After a stellar 2024 season capped by a Pro Bowl selection, Denver wasn’t willing to risk letting him test free agency.
Starting full-time for the first time, the former Oklahoma standout exploded statistically: 13.5 sacks, 48 tackles, and even a pick-six returned for 71 yards against the Colts. Those numbers placed him among the league’s elite pass rushers, finishing third in sacks and ranking inside the top 10 in several other defensive categories.
Since joining Denver, Bonitto has compiled 23 sacks and 92 tackles in 47 games. But it was his latest campaign that cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense, a unit that ranked third in the NFL in points allowed last season.
This deal is part of Denver’s strategy to secure a loaded defensive core. In recent months, the Broncos also extended Patrick Surtain II, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen. Still, Bonitto has emerged as the face of this new “Orange Crush” era, symbolizing the franchise’s first return to the playoffs since 2015.
With this extension signed, the linebacker enters the 2025 season—kicking off Sunday against the Tennessee Titans—with peace of mind.
Credit Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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