After a monster 2024 campaign, it looks like top stars future in Denver is becoming a front-office priority. The Broncos and the star edge rusher have reportedly opened talks on a contract extension, a move that comes months after General Manager George Paton expressed his hope to keep veteran star in Denver long term — but admitted no negotiations had yet begun. Now, with his breakout year boosting his value, the discussions are heating up.
He has steadily climbed the ranks of the NFL’s top pass rushers since being selected in the second round of the 2022 draft. From a modest 1.5 sacks in his rookie season to 8 in his sophomore year, Bonitto exploded in Year Three with 13.5 sacks, helping power the Broncos to a playoff appearance. His highlight-reel season included a 71-yard pick-six and earned him second-team All-Pro honors, officially cementing his arrival as a defensive force.
With the edge rusher market booming, Bonitto is reportedly seeking a deal north of $20 million per year—territory reserved for elite defensive disruptors. The Broncos now face a pivotal decision: lock him up early before the price climbs even higher, or take the gamble and wait to see if he can replicate (or surpass) his 2024 production in the final year of his rookie contract.
Either way, Bonitto’s rise is one of the most exciting developments in Denver’s recent history. For a team hungry to return to contender status in a competitive AFC, securing its defensive cornerstone may be the most important move of the offseason. Now, the only question is—how much are they willing to pay to keep their sack king in the Mile High City?