Top playmaker has signed a four-year, \$6.6 million contract with the Denver Broncos, one of four players to finalize their rookie contracts after the 2025 draft. Upon receiving the call from the Broncos, he expressed excitement, calling the experience a “dream come true.” However, he’s not resting on his laurels, stating that he has “a lot more work to do” and is focused on making an impact with the team.
Speaking on “Action Sports Jax” , he emphasized his commitment to preparing for the next chapter of his career. “Just trying to stay focused, man, and just prepare myself as much as I can here in Jacksonville so that, you know, when I get up to Denver, I can put on the show,” he said.
He also reflected on the importance of having the opportunity to play under a coach like Sean Payton, noting that Payton’s decision to trade up for him was a special moment. “My main focus was just, ‘Hey, I just need the opportunity.’ And I’m going to take full advantage of it,” Bryant added.
Bryant is excited not only to get to work with the Broncos but also to connect with some of his fellow 2025 draftees. “Obviously, get up there, meet the guys, meet my teammates, meet the coaches,” he said. “And then, obviously, hop headfirst in that playbook.” He also shared his excitement about an upcoming Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles, where all the rookies gather for an event. “I heard it’s like a big thing where all the rookies go to LA, and then you do a little event. So I’m looking forward to that, man, just to meet some of the guys that got drafted this year that were in my draft class,” he added.
Despite all the excitement surrounding these events, Bryant’s focus remains on getting back to work. “It’s a lot of exciting things, man. But at the end of the day, man, I’m just ready to get back on that field.”
Pat Bryant Reacts to Sean Payton’s Comments
The Broncos chose Bryant over other interested teams, and Payton’s evaluation of the wide receiver likely played a key role in that decision.
“There were so many things about his game that reminded me of Mike Thomas, and with respect to Mike, who became – holy cow. You don’t ever want to put pressure on a rookie like that; we’re just talking about traits. But really explosive off the line of scrimmage, very competitive, very tough,” Payton shared with reporters on April 25. “His size and his hands are outstanding.”
“Obviously, he’s physical. And so – but the player comp for me, it reminded me, forget the jersey number \[both players wear/wore No. 13], just a lot of traits that Mike had, especially at the line of scrimmage.”
“Just hearing him make those comparisons to Mike Thomas, a great player who accomplished a lot in the league, and the success he had in that offense, it’s really special for me to be able to play a similar role,” Bryant said.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to me. There’s always going to be pressure, but I take that pressure and use it as fuel to keep pushing forward and working hard.”
Pat Bryant in Similar Mold as Broncos Pro Bowler
Bryant has received another strong endorsement from Illinois wide receivers coach Justin Stepp, who also coached Broncos Pro Bowl wideout Courtland Sutton at SMU.
Stepp, who named his child after Sutton, praised Bryant’s confidence.
“He’s just like Courtland,” the coach said, according to The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider on May 5. “I remember during the pre-draft process with Courtland, people would ask, ‘Is he tough enough to play football? He’s so nice.’”
“I’d tell them, ‘He has an incredible confidence about him.’ Pat is the same way. He knows who he is, what his strengths are, and where he can improve.”
Bryant joins the team as Sutton enters the final year of his contract.
Both Sutton and the Broncos are interested in maintaining their current situation. However, Bryant’s addition follows the selections of Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin Jr. in the 2024 draft, as well as Marvin Mims Jr. – an All-Pro and Pro Bowl kick returner – in the 2023 draft.