As the Denver Broncos continue to reshape their roster with a focus on long-term stability and high-performance culture, all eyes are turning toward a key young defender whose emergence has made him an essential part of the team’s future. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, coming off a breakout season, is quickly becoming the next logical candidate for a contract extension. While no deal is finalized yet, momentum is quietly building within the organization, and the buzz around Dove Valley suggests Bonitto could be the next name rewarded as the Broncos double down on their young defensive core.
Bonitto, a 2022 second-round pick out of Oklahoma, entered the league with expectations rooted in his speed, bend, and pass-rush ability. While his rookie season had its share of growing pains, his development took a major leap forward in Year 2. He showcased not only a much more refined approach as a pass rusher but also a stronger ability to set the edge in the run game and play with discipline in Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme. By the end of the 2024 season, he had firmly established himself as one of the most disruptive young edge defenders in the AFC, finishing with career highs in sacks, pressures, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles.
For the Broncos, Bonitto represents more than just a productive outside linebacker. He’s emblematic of the franchise’s attempt to modernize and evolve defensively. In a league that increasingly demands versatility and athleticism from its edge players, Bonitto checks every box. He’s fast, explosive, instinctive, and relentless. He’s also extremely coachable — a trait that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Denver’s coaching staff. His rapid development from a rotational player to a near-every-down defender has turned heads internally, and as a result, the front office is expected to begin extension talks sooner rather than later.
Timing is everything when it comes to contract negotiations, and Denver finds itself in a pivotal spot. After handing out a $102 million extension to All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen, the Broncos appear to be working through a strategy of locking in core pieces before their value explodes further. Bonitto is under contract through the 2025 season due to his rookie deal, but the team has the option of negotiating a long-term extension early — and the advantages of doing so are clear. If he continues to ascend at his current pace, waiting too long could drive up the price significantly.
From the organization’s standpoint, extending Bonitto now makes sense not just financially but structurally. Keeping a homegrown pass rusher — someone who understands the defensive system, has chemistry with teammates, and is only scratching the surface of his ceiling — aligns with everything general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton have emphasized in their vision for the franchise. They want players who are durable, explosive, and all-in on the team culture. Bonitto fits that profile perfectly.
Behind the scenes, there is mutual interest. While no official figures have been floated publicly, league insiders believe preliminary conversations have occurred between the Broncos and Bonitto’s representatives. These talks remain in early stages, but there is reportedly optimism on both sides that something could be finalized before the end of the upcoming season. Sources close to the situation describe the tone of the dialogue as “collaborative, not combative” — a good sign for fans hoping to see No. 42 in Denver long-term.
For Bonitto, an extension now would represent a major milestone in a career that’s been defined by steady growth and relentless work ethic. As a high school standout in Florida, he was known for his speed and technique, not necessarily his size or power. He carried a chip on his shoulder into college and developed into one of the most productive pass rushers in the Big 12 at Oklahoma. That same chip followed him into the NFL, where he’s quietly become a force despite being overshadowed at times by bigger-name players.
What sets Bonitto apart is the combination of speed and intelligence. He doesn’t just rely on athleticism — he wins with timing, angles, and a deep understanding of pass-rush strategy. His ability to convert speed to power has improved significantly since his rookie season, and he’s now far more comfortable countering offensive tackles who try to overset against his speed. In 2024, he was consistently one of the first defenders off the line at the snap, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and forcing early throws and bad decisions. He’s not just a highlight-reel guy — he’s a down-in, down-out difference-maker.
The numbers tell part of the story. Bonitto recorded 11.5 sacks in 2024, added 18 quarterback hits, and forced three fumbles — all career highs. But perhaps more importantly, his pressure rate per snap ranked among the best in the NFL, putting him in the same conversation as some of the league’s elite edge rushers. Those statistics are being noticed across the league, which is why Denver may want to act quickly. If Bonitto hits the open market in two years with another strong season or two under his belt, his price tag could skyrocket well beyond what the team is comfortable paying.
Broncos fans have been desperate to find their next great pass rusher since the departure of Von Miller. While players like Bradley Chubb flashed at times, injuries and inconsistency prevented Denver from locking in that true long-term force off the edge. With Bonitto, they may have finally found that player. He’s not just producing — he’s producing consistently, and he’s improving with every snap. The extension talk isn’t just about rewarding past performance; it’s about investing in a player whose prime is still ahead of him.
It’s also about continuity. Defensive cohesion matters. The Broncos have made a clear statement by extending Zach Allen, and now they have a chance to pair that move with a long-term commitment to Allen’s most dynamic edge-rushing partner. Keeping Bonitto and Allen together through the next several seasons could give Denver a front seven with the kind of identity and continuity that builds winning teams. Add in developing young talent at linebacker and defensive back, and you start to see a defensive core that can compete with anyone in the AFC.
From a cap management standpoint, the Broncos are in a position where they can structure a deal for Bonitto in a team-friendly way if they act quickly. By negotiating an extension before his current contract enters its final year, the team can spread out signing bonuses, maintain flexibility, and potentially lock in a star player at below-market value relative to where edge rusher contracts are headed league-wide. With the salary cap set to continue rising annually, locking in young talent early becomes a more strategic play than ever.
Bonitto, to his credit, has handled the situation with the kind of professionalism that further underscores his value to the team. He hasn’t publicly commented on the extension speculation, choosing instead to focus on his preparation for the 2025 season. Coaches have repeatedly praised his work ethic, focus, and leadership within the position group. His quiet confidence and all-business approach are exactly what Denver needs as it continues to re-establish a winning culture under Payton.
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, and a lot can change over the course of a single season. But the writing appears to be on the wall. The Broncos have found something special in Nik Bonitto, and they know it. His blend of talent, discipline, and growth potential makes him an ideal candidate for a long-term extension. With the team already signaling a commitment to investing in its defensive core, Bonitto may very well be next in line — and soon.
The Broncos are no longer just patching holes. They are building something real. And if they want to build it the right way — with consistency, toughness, and accountability at the foundation — they would be wise to make sure Nik Bonitto is part of that plan for years to come.
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