Defensive tackle Zach Allen signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent in April 2023. Since then, he’s emerged as the lynchpin of his team’s defense. His four-year, $102 million contract extension includes the 2029 season. Maybe most noteworthy, it succinctly illustrates the entire team’s relentless pursuit of Rittman’s plan to build a world-class defense. Allen’s impressive performance in 2024, marked by career-high statistics, has further solidified his integral role in the Broncos’ defensive strategy.
During the 2024 season, Allen covered an unprecedented 89% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps. It was his confusion-creating athleticism and positional skill that jumped off the field. He set a career-high with 61 total tackles and 40 QB hits. With 8.5 sacks, he certainly established himself as one of the league’s top defensive studs. His 15 tackles for loss showed he possessed disruptive play-making abilities to blow up opposing offenses. Allen’s contributions were instrumental in helping the Broncos’ defense lead the NFL with a staggering total of 63 sacks.
Allen attributes his accomplishments to his two years featuring for the Arizona Cardinals. During his time with the Longhorns, he practiced alongside NFL pro-bowler J.J. Watt. While this experience sharpened his talent, it influenced the way he prepares during the offseason. Allen stated, “I have an obsession about this. You can talk to anybody in this building … I love this. This is my life. I take a lot of pride in this. Every single day since the season ended, there was finding ways to get better.”
As impressive as any other achievement, it’s worth noting that in just his second season, Allen was named second-team All-Pro. Broncos head coach Sean Payton highlighted Allen’s impressive numbers and overall productivity, noting that he possesses “flexibility across the board, productivity, consistency, stamina, all the things that you’re looking for.” This latest recognition solidifies Allen’s place as a key piece of the Broncos’ roster.
For the Broncos, re-signing Allen was a smart decision, chiefly to keep their defense as one of his key competitive advantages. It’s actually pretty rare to find players who really can elevate their game,” said former NFL executive Floyd Reese. “To find those guys who played at that high, high level and they take it up even a little more … not the same, but a little more … that’s just rare,” he remarked.
On a personal note, Allen sounds excited about what’s next for the Broncos. He thinks they’re close to getting to the level of those best teams in the AFC. He was optimistic on the direction the team is heading and concerted their efforts to establishing a valuable culture throughout the organization. “I just love what we’re building here, and I just can’t state that enough, it’s all about the culture,” he said.
Allen’s passion for always getting better and growing comes through in his routine each day…He feels he’s “way ahead of schedule” from last year. This is a reflection of his unmatched pursuit of excellence. That’s sort of why I’m sure I am here maybe,” he continued, emphasizing his love for the game — and helping to build the team — in the right way.
The Broncos are building towards the next few seasons. To that end, Zach Allen will be pretty important on turning their defensive identity. His blue-chip performance in 2024 made him the most celebrated prep player any year. It also, perhaps more importantly, entrenched him as a major figure in the franchise. Allen pairs his outstanding natural ability with an equally ridiculous work ethic. Fans and teammates alike could always rely on him to provide the kind of big moments that help define a team’s aspirations.
Leave a Reply