Pro Bowl outside linebacker Nik Bonitto acknowledged on Sunday that his contract negotiations with the Denver Broncos are actively underway. Speaking at his inaugural youth football camp, Bonitto confirmed the ongoing nature of the talks while emphasizing his focus remains on the team’s success.
“Those types of talks are happening right now, but I kind of just keep that with my agent [and] let him handle that,”
Bonitto said, as reported by Andrew Mason of DenverSports.com.
“My focus is just winning and trying to get a championship.”
Timeline for Agreement Remains Uncertain
Bonitto specified that there is no fixed timetable for reaching a contract extension with the Broncos, highlighting the unpredictability surrounding negotiations. He stressed that he is taking a day-by-day approach to the situation while maintaining his attention on football.
“I know these things can happen tomorrow or happen months from now,”
Bonitto stated.
“I kind of just keep it day-by-day and keep the focus on football.”
Bonitto’s Breakout Season and Contract Expectations
Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bonitto made a strong impression last season with 13.5 sacks, ranking third in the league and marking the first time a Broncos player recorded double-digit sacks since 2018. His contributions extended to 24 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl starting spot and second-team All-Pro honors.
Approaching his 26th birthday in September, Bonitto is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which carries a base salary of $5.346 million. He is reportedly seeking a new contract worth more than $20 million per season, with his market value estimated at approximately $23.6 million annually according to Spotrac.
Broncos Prioritize Retaining Bonitto Amid Wider Contract Talks
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton identified extending Bonitto’s contract as a priority during the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Paton highlighted the team’s approach of drafting and developing talent internally while expressing a desire to keep Bonitto in Denver long-term.
“You’ve kind of seen our model. The young player draft and develop. Even guys like [T Garett] Bolles. We like to take care of our own, so we’ll just see,”
Paton shared with reporters.
“Nik obviously had a breakout year. He’s a dynamic player, and we want him here a long time.”
Bonitto is among several key Broncos players, including defensive ends Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers, as well as wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who are seeking improved contracts but have yet to finalize new deals with the team.
“We’ll have those talks at the right time. Again you’ve seen how we’ve done our business,”
Paton said during league meetings in March.
“So we have a few other players that are really good that I’m sure we’ll have those discussions with.”
Negotiations Reflect the Broncos’ Commitment to Their Core Players
The ongoing contract discussions with Bonitto and other key contributors underline the Broncos’ strategy to retain their young, emerging talent as they aim to build a competitive roster. How these negotiations unfold will shape the team’s financial and competitive outlook in the near future, especially as Bonitto aims to leverage his breakout season into a lucrative extension.