Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton confirmed that the team has been actively negotiating contract extensions with several key players since the start of training camp last month. These contract talks come amid efforts to secure the team’s core talent, including a focus on outside linebacker Nik Bonitto as his current deal nears its conclusion.

Recently, the Broncos secured significant deals with wide receiver Courtland Sutton and defensive end Zach Allen. Sutton signed a four-year contract worth $92 million on Monday, while Allen agreed to a four-year, $102 million pact on Saturday. Together, these agreements represent over $110 million in guaranteed money, reflecting the Broncos’ commitment to retaining top performers.

Nik Bonitto Emerges as Next Target in Broncos Extension Plans

Payton indicated that after Sutton and Allen, Nik Bonitto could soon be rewarded with a lucrative contract extension. The outside linebacker has been a standout contributor since breaking into the starting lineup. In 2022, Bonitto finished third in the NFL with 13.5 sacks and led the Broncos in tackles-for-loss and forced fumbles, earning recognition as a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro.

Bonitto, who will turn 26 in September, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $5.346 million in 2025. According to salary analysis from Spotrac, his annual market value is estimated at $23.6 million, highlighting his rising stature among NFL edge defenders.

Insight into the Nuances of Contract Negotiations for Nik Bonitto

Sean Payton shed light on the complex dynamics behind contract extensions, explaining that negotiation timing and contract structure are influenced by various factors.

“I was just saying, when you guys began camp and it was discussed, the unsigned players, they were all clumped together,”

Payton told reporters.

“What you don’t understand is there are different stages in the process. So if you would’ve asked me at the start of camp, and I probably wouldn’t have answered it, but I would’ve said [WR Courtland] Sutton, [DL Zach] Allen and then [OLB Nik] Bonitto. You understand it when you sign with a year left remaining, well, there’s a cost to that a little bit. You gain another year of security from injury. When you sign as a free agent, that number is probably bigger. So those are all the decisions that weigh into the player and the organization’s mind.”

Bonitto also confirmed that talks are actively ongoing without a specified deadline. On July 20, he stated,

“talks [with the Broncos] are happening right now.”

The team appears cautious, working to balance urgency with careful management of contract details.

Maintaining Focus Amid Contract Negotiations

Payton emphasized the professionalism of Bonitto and his teammates during the negotiation period. He said,

“Well, a lot of times, [OLB] Nik [Bonitto] for instance, is in the midst of a transition, and so [WR] Courtland [Sutton] appeared to be the one,”

referring to the sequence of contract discussions.

“You don’t know how it’s going to unfold, but Courtland appeared to be the one that was going to happen maybe a little earlier. So the work will always continue. What I appreciate most is that these guys were here practicing. There was none of the noise and potential distractions that can take place. It’s always difficult when you’re talking about somebody’s money, and I understand that.”

This approach underlines the Broncos’ commitment to maintaining focus on team performance while managing significant contract decisions behind the scenes.

What the Future Holds for Nik Bonitto and the Broncos

As Nik Bonitto enters a pivotal phase of his career, the outcome of his contract talks holds substantial importance for both the player and the Broncos. Securing Bonitto to a long-term extension would reinforce Denver’s defensive front and reward a key contributor who has rapidly risen in prominence.

With Sutton and Allen already signed to lucrative deals, the Broncos appear determined to keep their core players aligned with the organization’s goals. The widening gap between Bonitto’s current rookie salary and market value suggests that the forthcoming extension could substantially elevate his compensation and set the stage for his continued impact in Denver’s defense.