Broncos’ Pro Bowler Responds to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson With 4-Word Message

“When we talk about a guy that’s just being able to be smart and manipulate the pocket like he does, it’s just – it was a tough go for us,” Bonitto said. “He was harder, I feel like, to kind of sack and get together than like any other quarterback. Just because, if he sees you going high, he’s going to escape through the B gap, and he’s gonna find a receiver, or he’s just gonna run.”

Burrow completed 79.6% of his throws for 412 yards and 3 TDs versus the Broncos.

He also rushed for another score and overcame absorbing 7 sacks. Broncos head coach Sean Payton also praised Burrow.

“I think understanding how to rush him [is the key to being successful rushing Burrow],” Payton told reporters on December 28. “He does a good job – we even saw it in third-and-13. He gets a first down. You can’t get behind him you got to kind of keep him in the pocket as best you can, which is – it’s difficult to do.”

Bonitto and the Broncos will host Burrow and the Bengals in 2025.

Nik Bonitto on Extension Watch

Bonitto’s strong 2024 season seemingly has him in line for a raise with free agency looming in 2026.

DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens offered a reminder to that effect.

The Broncos’ defense ranked second against the run. They also led the league-leading with a franchise-record 63 sacks during the regular season.

“That performance has several players understandably eager to get paid,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote on March 17. “One factor: If Denver does not target a playmaker in the first round, they’ll potentially be in a position to draft one of the top defensive linemen.”

“It’s part of why I wouldn’t expect any extension decisions to be made until after the draft.”

That leaves Bonitto and several others – including fellow from-seven players John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen – in limbo.