Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto Earns Major NFL Honor After Dominant Showing vs. Eagles

Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his dominant performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. 

Bonitto finished with 2.5 sacks, four tackles, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits, putting the pressure on Jalen Hurts all game long. 

After the win, Broncos head coach Sean Payton had some very high praise for Bonitto. 

“We got the better of them in the trenches,” Sean Payton said postgame. “Nik’s effort and motor set the tone for the defense. He changed the game.”

As Sports Illustrated noted, Bonitto is finding himself in some elite company.

He’s just the fourth Bronco ever to post multiple sacks in three straight games, and the first to do it since Von Miller back in 2014.

That alone is impressive, but the competition makes it even better. He spent most of Sunday lined up across from Jordan Mailata, one of the league’s best left tackles, and still found ways to get pressure on Hurts.

The Eagles’ offensive line is as good as it gets, yet Bonitto made them look uncomfortable all afternoon long. 

He now leads the NFL with seven sacks and continues to be one of the most underrated defensive players in the entire league. 

Bonitto’s Deal Already Looks Like a Steal for Denver

Coming off his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro season, Nik Bonitto signed a four-year, $106 million contract extension with the Denver Broncos in September.

The deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in Broncos history. 

Five weeks into the season, it looks like a bargain.

Bonitto’s $26.5 million annual salary ranks just 10th among edge rushers, yet he’s leading the league in sacks and doing it against top-tier tackles every week.

“He’s worth every bit of that deal,” defensive lineman Zach Allen said. “You see the way he bends around the corner — that’s special. Guys like that don’t come around often.”

Bonitto’s consistency and motor have made him the heartbeat of Denver’s defense, proving that his breakout 2024 season is here to stay. 

A Potential DPOY Candidate

Bonitto isn’t just getting attention for just weekly awards anymore. 

Rather, his Defensive Player of the Year odds continue to climb as he continues to dominate. He’s now viewed as a top-four candidate alongside Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and Myles Garrett.

Through five games, he’s leading the NFL with seven sacks, tied for second in tackles for loss, and ranks top five in pressures according to Pro Football Focus.

“He’s everywhere right now,” said safety Justin Simmons. “You can feel when he’s about to take over a drive. He’s got that Von-type presence.”

Bonitto’s rise has also changed how the Broncos play defense. 

Coordinator Vance Joseph has started moving him around the formation, sometimes rushing from a wide-nine set, other times twisting inside with Zach Allen to exploit slower guards. 

That versatility is part of why his name is starting to appear in early DPOY conversations alongside some of the best defensive players in the NFL. 

If he keeps up this pace, Bonitto could be the second Bronco to win DPOY in as many years. 

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