Broncos Spent Offseason Treating Their Stars Right

Before sorting out Bonitto, in August, Zach Allen signed a four-year, $102 million extension ($25.5M AAV). Zach Allen was initially signed to a three-year, $45.5 million contract to be a disruptor on the defensive line. Many questioned if the deal was an overpay for the Broncos. However, Zach Allen burst onto the scene in the 2024 season.

Allen racked up 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and one safety en route to earning second-team All-Pro honors. Not only did he put up significant numbers, but he was also the heart of the scheme designed by Vance Joseph. Together, Bonitto and Allen are the engine of a top-five unit that ranked third in points allowed last year. These contracts, together, are not just buying sacks but a lottery ticket to a Super Bowl appearance.

Courtland Sutton is a Key Offensive Piece

The Broncos did not just have plans to extend their defensive guys. Instead, they went out and signed Courtland Sutton to a four-year, $92 million extension ($23M AAV), signed in July. This is more than just a contract; it is a thank you. The 30-year-old wideout stuck through Denver’s dark days, including multiple losing seasons, and delivered 1,000+ yards in 2024, syncing perfectly with rookie QB Bo Nix.

His towering 6-foot-4-inch frame and clutch catches make him Nix’s go-to guy, and his deal is on par with Amari Cooper’s $23 million offseason deal. Denver rewards loyalty. There are no trade rumors, no holdouts, just a vet who bleeds orange and blue.

With Nix showing flashes of a franchise QB, Sutton’s extension is a bet on offensive stability, giving young weapons like Marvin Mims Jr. a mentor to grow with. His veteran presence in the locker room sets a tone of resilience, inspiring teammates to buy into Sean Payton’s vision.

Sutton’s back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (2023-24) prove he is still a WR1, capable of stretching defenses in crunch time. By keeping him, Denver ensures their passing game has a reliable anchor as it chases an AFC playoff spot.

The Bigger Picture

These extensions—$314 million for three stars—are not just about 2025; they are about a vision. Sean Payton’s turning a rebuild into a contender, with a top-five defense and a QB who threw for 2,800 yards as a rookie. Unlike teams battling holdouts and drama (Looking at you, Cowboys!), Denver’s front office moved fast, signing Bonitto, Allen, and Sutton before the training camp pot began to stir.

That is how teams build trust. Sure, the cap is tight ($20M under in 2025), and injuries could sting, but these deals signal ambition. Compare it to the Chiefs locking in Patrick Mahomes early—Denver’s betting on youth (Bonitto, 25) and prime talent (Allen, 28) while honoring vets (Sutton, 30). 

Other Contracts

However, the offseason did not stop there. The Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, led by CEO Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, has poured resources into the foundation.

They contributed a $175M state-of-the-art training facility opening in 2026 and upgrades at Empower Field. Their football-first mindset—emphasizing player health, tech hires like new CTO Daniel Brusilovsky, and over $300M in guaranteed money across six major extensions—has Denver in a position to improve heading into 2025.

In addition to all the contract extensions in 2025, the Broncos have also signed multiple key players. They signed D.J. Jones to a three-year, $39 million contract as a crucial partner on the defensive line alongside Zach Allen. They signed pass rusher Jonathon Cooper to a four-year, $60 million deal to form an elite pass rush duo with Nik Bonnito.

They signed offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz to a four-year, $80 million deal and Garett Bolles to a four-year, $82 million deal.

Finally, they signed reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II to a four-year, $96 million contract, keeping key contributors to the Broncos in the orange and blue for the foreseeable future.

The Broncos went from a 5-12 season to the playoffs, and it’s clear they are building something special. The extensions of Bonitto, Allen, and Sutton are more than just contracts; they are a declaration to Broncos Country that the good times are coming. With Payton’s playbook, Nix’s arm, and a defense that devours quarterbacks, the Broncos have their sights set on the throne of the AFC.