Extending former second-team All-Pro should accelerate Broncos' rebuild

Before the extension became official, Bolles posted on his X account, "It's been a great eight years! Thanks for everything! And ... I'm not leaving. The show goes on!" 

Since Denver selected Bolles with pick No. 20 in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has started 112 games for the club and earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2020. 

Bolles, 32, is flourishing again this season. He has only allowed one sack on 513 pass-block snaps in 13 games, via Pro Football Focus. He has also posted an 88.7 passing-blocking grade, the fourth-best mark at his position. 

Signing Bolles keeps the Broncos O-line intact. Except for center Luke Wattenberg, all its starters are under contract through 2026. That seems wise, as the unit has allowed 19 sacks, tied for the third fewest in the league.

Nix's exceptional pass protection has pushed him into the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation. Per Pro Football Reference, he has been pressured on 18.2 percent of his dropbacks, 27th among 34 eligible quarterbacks. 

The Broncos (8-5) are second in the AFC West and could make the postseason for the first time in eight years. NFL.com projects that their playoff probability will increase from 72 to 89 percent if they beat the Indianapolis Colts in Sunday's home game. Even if it misses the playoffs, Denver should feel optimistic about its future. 

The Broncos have a promising QB in Nix, who's tied for the league's 11th-most passing TDs (17 in 13 games). They also have an O-line that should give him plenty of time to throw.