Broncos’ Pro Bowler Sends Fitting Message Amid $93 Million Decision

Nik Bonitto Not Rushing Contract Extension

Bonitto spoke about his camp’s negotiations with the Broncos about an extension and when he hopes to get a deal done. The Broncos have been open to doing business during the season.

“Those type of talks are happening here right now, but I kind of just keep that with my agent,” Bonitto told those in attendance. “Just let him handle that. My focus is just winning and trying to get a championship.

Bonitto is not rushing the situation, though.

“No time period,” Bonitto said. “These things can happen tomorrow or happen months from now. So, I kind of just keep it day-by-day, and just keep the focus on football.”

Bonitto has drawn praise from Broncos general manager George Paton.

“You look at the day-to-day, you look at the practice, and you look at the skill set. Is there one trait? What’s the dominant trait? Nik Bonitto, man, we knew he had a dominant trait. When was it going to click? When was the light going to turn on? And so, you can see it in practice. You can see it by how, again, day-to-day, how they are in the weight room, in the conditioning drills,” Paton told reporters in March.

“Nik, man, he always worked hard. You just – you felt like it would come, and he got his opportunity. And, shoot, we traded a good player away in Baron Browning because we could see Nik in practice, what he was doing. And so, you just look for those little traits, and you just – it’s hard to give up on a player like that.”

Still, Bonitto has been left waiting like many of his teammates.

Broncos Must Address More Than Just Nick Bonitto

Bonitto’s situation with the Broncos is getting attention amid the rash of pass rusher deals and those expected to come, but he is not alone. The Broncos must also address defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Zach Allen.

Allen was also a second-team All-Pro in 2024, but Franklin-Myers has been outspoken.

“One teams loss is another’s treasure, the Rams and Jets seen it!” Franklin-Myers posted on X on July 15 in response to a fan lamenting the situation and contract projections for the seventh-year veteran Best way to learn is from others mistakes, either way tho my time is coming regardless! #GodWins.”

Bonitto is younger than Allen and Franklin-Myers, and is also a former Broncos draft pick, unlike his teammates. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton was also drafted by the Broncos, but is older.

Bonitto is in a strong position, but the Broncos could also opt for the franchise tag next spring.