The Denver Broncos are navigating a critical crossroads regarding their defensive cornerstone, outside Linebacker Nik Bonitto, as his contract situation looms large over the team’s offseason strategy. With Bonitto entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 and Free Agency on the horizon, the Broncos must balance retaining a star performer with managing lingering financial constraints.

The Bonitto Breakout: A Defensive Revelation

Bonitto’s 2024 season cemented his status as one of the NFL’s most dynamic edge rushers. His performance—a career-high 13.5 sacks, 57 pressures, and a Pro Bowl nod—placed him among the league’s top 10 edge defenders. His Versatility in disrupting both passing and running plays has been vital to Denver’s defense, which ranked seventh in total yards allowed last season. General Manager George Paton has openly stated the team’s desire to keep him “here for a long time.”

Contract Comparisons and Market Realities

Bonitto’s potential new deal hinges on recent trends for elite edge rushers. While teammate Jonathon Cooper signed a four-year, $54 million contract ($13.5M AAV) in 2024, Bonitto’s superior production—16.5 sacks over two seasons versus Cooper’s 12—positions him for a higher payday. Top-tier players like Josh Allen ($28.25M AAV) and Maxx Crosby ($23.5M AAV) set benchmarks, but Bonitto’s age (25) and upward trajectory may align him closer to Crosby’s range. Analysts project a four-year, $92 million contract ($23M AAV) with $40 million guaranteed, reflecting his franchise cornerstone status.

The Broncos’ Strategic Dilemma

Denver’s financial flexibility is constrained by $32 million in dead cap space from Russell Wilson’s 2023 release. However, the team projects $37M in 2025 cap space, with room to maneuver if they address other priorities like extensions for Quinn Meierz and Pat Surtain II. To sign Bonitto, the Broncos may use creative structuring—such as signing bonuses or reworking existing deals—to spread costs. Delaying negotiations risks treating 2025 as a “prove-it” year, which could expose Bonitto to injury or performance fluctuations.

Conclusion: A Make-or-Break Moment

The outcome of these negotiations will define the Broncos’ future. Overpaying could strain their ability to address needs like offensive line depth or a struggling Running Back room. Conversely, losing Bonitto—a talent coveted by rivals like the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs—would weaken their defensive identity. For Bonitto, a long-term deal would solidify his legacy while positioning him among the NFL’s highest-paid defenders. As the Broncos build around young quarterback Bo Nix, securing Bonitto’s future remains central to maintaining a competitive edge.

Keywords: Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos, Free Agency