After signing a lucrative extension, Nik Bonitto is now the highest-paid defensive player in Denver Broncos history.
Broncos’ Nik Bonitto Inks Massive Contract Extension
Nik Bonitto signs a 4-year, $106M extension with the @Broncos making him the highest-paid defensive player in Broncos history ‼️🐴
Deal negotiated by @ToryDandy of Athletes First. pic.twitter.com/vr7mfZXajy
— Athletes First (@AthletesFirst) September 4, 2025
Days before the start of the 2025 NFL regular season, Bonitto gets a well-deserved raise.
Bonitto and the Broncos agreed to terms on a four-year, $106 million extension with $70 million guaranteed. The deal can reach up to $120 million.
The Broncos announced the deal on Thursday.
Bonitto, 25, is one of the best young edge rushers in the league.
The Broncos selected Bonitto in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
After a slow rookie campaign, Bonitto increased his sack total from 1.5 to 8.0 during the 2023 season.
2024 is the season where Bonitto flashed his true potential. Bonitto recorded 13.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 24 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns in 17 games.
Bonitto made the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro status. The pass rusher recorded a sack in six straight games, the longest NFL streak in 2024.
Bonitto’s salary of $26.5 million per year ranks 10th among edge rushers. Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons recently became the highest-paid edge rusher at $47 million per year.
Denver Broncos Enter 2025 With Increased Expectations
.@JamieErdahl has the @Vikings defeating the Broncos in the Super Bowl for their first championship 👀 pic.twitter.com/xymJ2Q8aii
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 4, 2025
Last season, the Denver Broncos surprised the AFC by sneaking into the postseason as the No. 7 seed.
Sean Payton drafted Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and started him immediately. Had Jayden Daniels not done what he did, Nix would have probably won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nix threw 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a completion percentage of 66.3. The accuracy and ability to get the ball out quickly are two of Nix’s traits that are must-haves in Payton-run offenses.
The Broncos were outmatched in the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills and lost 31-7.
Still, 2024 should be seen as a step in the right direction for the Broncos.
The offense should improve under Nix in his second year. The Broncos signed tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins. Plus, they drafted rookie running back RJ Harvey.
The strength of the Broncos remains its “Orange Crush” defense, which allowed the third fewest points last season (311).
Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and Zach Allen are as solid a trio up front as you’ll find.
Patrick Surtain II, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, can lock down any receiver in the NFL.
This elite defense can lead the Broncos on a deep run in the playoffs.
