After a lot of activity during NFL free agency in 2023, the Denver Broncos are expected to be less active, but have still signed some players to multi-year deals.
As happened last year, I'm going to examine the details of each contract as they are revealed. Up next is tight end Adam Trautman, who spent the 2023 season with the Broncos and returns on a two-year deal.
Contract details:
Summary: Two years, $7.5M, $5M fully guaranteed.
Contract breakdown
2024: $3M signing bonus (fully guaranteed), $1.5M base salary.
2025: $2.745M base salary ($500K fully guaranteed), $255K per-game roster bonus.
Cap charges: $3M in 2024, $4.5M in 2025.
Gut Reaction
Trautman got a contract that's in line with a tight end of his talents. He had decent production in 2023 but was by no means a top tight end. But the Broncos didn't pay him like a top tight end.
Trautman's deal is comparable to that of Bengals tight end Drew Sample, who re-signed for three years at similar APY. There is a difference, though, in terms of full guarantees, and the Bengals gave him a roster bonus for 2024 rather than a signing bonus.
But the Broncos only guaranteed a small sum in 2025, one that would be offset if Trautman is cut, as the veteran minimum for a player exceeds $500K. Thus, the Broncos have little downside for 2025.
While the Broncos did give Trautman plenty in full guarantees, the true commitment is for one year. You may quibble with how much he got in full guarantees but the deal is reasonable for him.
Contract grade: B
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