The Denver Broncos have been proactive when it comes to locking up their top players to extensions. They have now made it back-to-back days of getting deals done with their players, with Malcolm Roach following in Luke Watteberg’s lead.
Denver signed Wattenberg to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $27 million guaranteed on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Broncos turned back to their defensive line and, specifically, Roach.
Broncos Extend DT Malcolm Roach
GettyMalcolm Roach #97 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The Broncos and DT Malcolm Roach have agreed on a three-year contract extension worth up to $29.25 million with $14M guaranteed, sources tell me and [Ian Rapoport],” Pelissero reported on X on November 26. “Another core player locked up.”
DNVR’s Zac Stevens called it a “big contract for an important Bronco,” and Roach a “force” and “heart and soul” in the locker room.
The sixth-year pro has 21 total tackles and 2.0 sacks in six games for the Broncos this season, his second with the organization.
“It’s not just the ability vs. the run,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider posted on X after the deal was reported. “Roach has 4 1/2 sacks in his 23 games w/Broncos. Had just one in his first four seasons. Provides pass-rush problems on the interior for opponents.”
This deal has been in the works, but really took off in recent days.
“The #Broncos’ extension talks with Malcolm Roach intensified on Tuesday, a source said. This one moved fast,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evans reported in a post on X on November 26. “[Broncos general manager] George Paton and company wasting absolutely no time during/post-bye week getting things done.”
Broncos Deliver on Sean Payton’s Comments
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Houston Texans.
Roach, 27, entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints. He was on a two-year, $7 million contract with $7.3 million in career earnings.
There, he played under Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who was the Saints’ HC at the time.
Payton relayed to media members earlier in the week that the Broncos had discussed deals for other players following kicker Will Lutz’s three-year extension. 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X on November 24 that Roach and Wattenberg were among those being discussed.
“We spent time, George and I, before the break, and discussed the number of players that we were going to visit with. And the key is not affecting the mojo or … how your team’s doing. And so, I’m always sensitive to that, especially when you’re playing well. Because sometimes, those can be difficult discussions,” Payton told reporters on November 24.
“There’s a few other players that we know we’ve reached out to, and I think the key is the communication aspect of it all.”
That final line is quite telling for the Broncos regarding one of Roach’s line mates.
John Franklin-Myers Gets More Bad News
GettyJohn Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With Roach extended, the Broncos have now secured three of their top four interior defensive linemen. However, only one of those players, Zach Allen, is a full-time starter. Allen signed a four-year, $102 million extension in August.
Roach is the Broncos’ self-proclaimed sixth man, while nose tackle D.J. Jones received a three-year, $39 million pact in free agency. John Franklin-Myers is the lone exception.
Franklin-Myers has been a team player, celebrating his teammates’ windfalls, including Roach.
“Happy for my brotha, life changing!!” Franklin-Myers posted on X on November 26, after news of Roach’s deal had made waves on social media.
However, he has made it clear since before the season. On Tuesday, he briefly shared a post that debunked a narrative that the Broncos do not have the finances to extend him and maintain the proper level of flexibility before undoing the action.
The Broncos are not believed to be interested in extending Franklin-Myers.
In addition to Allen, Jones, and Roach, outside linebackers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto have also been extended, leaving Franklin-Myers as the odd man out for now.
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