Broncos' 2024 Sack Leader Breaks Silence on Contract Negotiations

Then last year, the Broncos' outside linebacker broke out, continuing to set career-highs in nearly every category, leading Denver in sacks, which led the entire NFL in sacks. Bonitto collected 49 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 16 TFLs, and 13.5 sacks. He also defended four passes, forced two fumbles, recovered one, and had a pick-six.

The third-year linebacker made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and captured everyone's attention. Now, he's heading into a contract season in 2025, and if he continues the trajectory he's begun in his first three years, a big payday could be coming.

With training camp beginning this week, Bonitto hosted about 150 kids for his youth camp on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he grew up. The Broncos' linebacker spoke with the media and gave his thoughts on his current contract situation.

Bonitto said his agent has been in communication with the Broncos front office, but he's just focusing on football.

“Yeah, those type of talks are happening right now. But I just keep that with my agent, just let him handle that. My focus is on winning and trying to get a championship," Bonitto said (h/t 9news.com). “No time period. I know these things can happen tomorrow or happen months from now,’’ Bonitto said. “So I just keep it day by day and keep my attention on football.”

Bonitto's 2024 season was incredible, and it would be difficult to put up even better numbers. However, that is exactly what the fourth-year player has done in his NFL career so far. The Broncos could benefit from getting a rookie extension done with Bonitto before the season starts.

Regardless, it's going to be expensive. Just in the past few days. Pittsburgh Steelers' outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker George Karlaftis both got big paydays. Watt now makes $41 million per year, and Karlaftis makes $22 million a year, and there are 15 edge rushers in the league making at least $20 million per year.

“The edge market is kind of crazy right now knowing that everybody’s getting these big deals and it’s only going to get bigger and bigger,’’ Bonitto said. “And luckily for me, I’m in a good position right now where the market is kind of in my favor.”

Bonitto didn't shy away from knowing what those contracts mean for his contract. Karlaftis was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and had a five-year rookie contract through 2026. The Chiefs extended him with two years remaining, and it could be a model for the contract Bonitto is looking for.

Another nugget to add to the equation is Bonitto's agent, Tory Dandy. Dandy also represents Broncos' All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who earned a record-breaking $24 million per year contract just before the season started last year. That was also Surtain's first contract after his rookie deal.

The Broncos' rising star and 2024 sack leader has reiterated he's focused on playing football and winning, but a lucrative new contract could be coming his way soon.