The Denver Broncos have rewarded several of their own players in recent months, and 2024 second-team All-Pro outside linebacker Nik Bonitto could be the next in line. At the very least, Bonitto remains optimistic that a deal is near.
After he increased his sack production for the second straight season, finishing third in the NFL with 13.5 sacks, Bonitto is due for a significant raise.
How near the finish line Bonitto and the Broncos are remains unclear, but talks are “going well.”
“There’s been good communication on both sides. I think it’s just my agent. I feel like he’s one of the best in the game, I feel like I got to trust what he’s doing. And knowing how they feel about me upstairs, I feel like something will get done, but it’s just a matter of when. And until then, I just got to keep doing me,” Bonitto told reporters on August 19.
“I feel like they’ve pretty much like through the whole process. Kept me the priority, knowing they want to extend me, they want me here. It’s just about when they want to get it done and when we’re ready.”
The Broncos selected Bonitto with the No. 64 overall pick of the 2022 draft. After posting 1.5 sacks as a rookie, he logged 8.0 in 2023.
Bonitto has started 20 of his 47 games played with the Broncos, with 2024 his first full season.
Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto Gets Honest About Cowboys DE Micah Parsons
GettyNik Bonitto #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates an interception return for a touchdown with Justin Strnad #40 and Zach Allen #99 of the Denver Broncos against the Cleveland Browns.
Bonitto, a Pro Bowler and Second Team All-Pro in 2024, is one of several prominent pass rushers seeking new contracts, joining the likes of reigning sack champion and Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys.
Asked if he is waiting until Parsons signs in particular, Bonitto again pointed back to his agent.
“Honestly, that’s up to my agent. I kind of just leave that up to him, Bonitto said. “He brings me with ideas and I just yes or no. But I don’t really have no preference.”
Bonitto also “100%” believes the market is still in his favor and expects it to remain that way.
“It’s just going to keep going up and up with the guys that are still needing to be signed and just the position that I’m in, whether I was last year or the confidence that I feel I’m going to put myself in this year,” Bonitto said. “It’s just kind of my favor right now with that stuff.”
The Broncos risk more than cap dollars the longer they wait to address Bonitto’s contract.
Nik Bonitto Sends Clear Message Amid Contract Uncertainty
GettyNik Bonitto #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Broncos seemingly risk alienating one of their best players and a homegrown talent, but Bonitto’s focus remains solely on the field and the upcoming season.
Asked if it would mean anything to him to receive an extension, Bonitto said, “Not really.”
“At the end of the day, I’m still under contract for another year,” Bonitto said. “So, yeah, I would like to get it done. But that’s the least of my worries, honestly. I just want to compete for a championship this year, do all the things that we have set out to do as a team and as a defense.”
Broncos general manager George Paton has shown a willingness to negotiate with players into the regular season, so Bonitto may get his payday before the end of 2025.
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