Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has signed a remarkable four-year contract extension. Valued at $106 million, this contract extension made him the richest non-quarterback in franchise history. The agreement locks in at least $70 million. If Bonitto hits specific playtime incentives during the contract, the overall sum could go up to $120 million. This historic deal highlights Bonitto’s remarkable influence on the game and his rising prominence inside the program.
The 25-year-old linebacker solidified his place among the league’s elite last season, earning a second-team All-Pro selection and his first Pro Bowl nod. Bonitto’s 13.5 sacks led the Broncos and colored perfectly a bonkers Denver defense that led the league with 63 sacks. His historic performance proved to be an impressive step up from his rookie campaign. Last year, he was deployed on 708 snaps – an enormous increase from a mere 357 snaps in previous seasons.
This should come as no surprise considering Bonitto got off to an impressive start this offseason with the Broncos back in April. He came in at 256 pounds, eight pounds heavier than last year’s season. He showed that commitment by later showing up to training camp at around 248 pounds. He cleared that hurdle, going under the knife to remove a bone spur from his foot in time for training camp. Even more impressively, he was able to do this without much disruption to his preparation.
During the preseason opener, Bonitto showcased his skills with a stellar 12-play stint that highlighted his capabilities as a pass rusher. In fact, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said that he loved his aggressive playmaking style. He referred to him as “a unique player” who has a long future ahead of him as a pass rusher.
Bonitto’s increasing role on the team has caught the attention of everyone. He looked back on the trouble he got himself into last year. I had gotten to where I felt like I was making it late in the season last year — and then I started to see more chips and a few more double-teams,” he said. He knows that increased scrutiny from opponents is just the cost of the game. To him, this opportunity represents a foundation for the whole defensive unit to thrive in unison. That’s what I kind of anticipate folks doing right out of the gate this year. Which is good, look at our defense; more attention anywhere is less attention somewhere else. We just all will make plays,” Bonitto added.
Bonitto’s agent, Tory Dandy, was key to the negotiation of this record quarterback contract. He’s widely credited for producing terms that are befitting of the rising star’s ascendance within the league. The second-round pick (64th overall) in the 2022 draft has made a habit of putting those tools to use on the field. His many contributions are now recognized with this well-deserved contract extension.
Bonitto’s excited about the upcoming season. He hopes to continue his all-world 2016 performance and become a long-term rock in the Denver Broncos’ defense. His development and impact will be something that is closely watched, especially as he takes on greater expectations after this massive contract extension.
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