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Broncos Make $120 Million Decision Ahead of Second Season With Sean Payton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 10:57 AM ET

Sean Payton's first season in Denver can be seen in large part as a success, as the Broncos reached the postseason with a rookie quarterback. Denver eventually went on to get blown out by the Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the wild-card round, but the trip to the playoffs created high expectations for the 2025 season.

Denver had three Pro Bowl selections during the 2024 season, and one of them reached an extension just before the start of the new season. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $120 million with the Broncos. This gives Payton and his defense some stability going forward.

BREAKING: Broncos, Nik Bonitto agree to terms on 4-year extension, worth up to $120M. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/yQHLAIUYTx
— NFL (@NFL) September 4, 2025

Bonitto is set to turn 26 this month. The former Oklahoma Sooners star was the 64th overall pick in the 2022 draft. As a senior in high school, Bonitto reached the Under Armour All-American game and chose Oklahoma over the Texas Longhorns and Louisville Cardinals. At Oklahoma, Bonitto was a second-team All-American in 2020 and a third-team selection in 2021.

Last season with the Broncos, Bonitto became the first Broncos player to have double-digit sacks (13.5) since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb in 2018. He also scored two touchdowns last season, one on an interception and the other on a fumble recovery. He reached his first Pro Bowl and was named second-team All-Pro.

Through his first three seasons with the Broncos, he has played in 47 games, starting 20 of them, accounting for 92 tackles, 23 sacks and 30 tackles for loss.

Bonitto and the Denver Broncos will open their 2025 season at home on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Following that, Denver goes on the road to face the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers, before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 29.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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