The Denver Broncos are building their roster the right way.
Draft well, then reward high-performing players with contract extensions.
Broncos general manager George Paton gave extensions to three members of his 2021 draft class last year: cornerback Pat Surtain (2021 first-round pick), guard Quinn Meinerz (2021 third-round pick) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (2021 seventh-round pick).
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Paton and head coach Sean Payton have also rewarded carryover stars from the previous regime. Left tackle Garett Bolles (2017 first-round pick) was given an extension last year, and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (2018 second-round pick) just signed an extension earlier this week.
That’s five key players Denver has re-signed in a one-year span.
Broncos contract extensions
Of course, not every draft class will be perfect, and supplementing the squad with calculated free agent signings is another key part of roster building. Two years ago, the Broncos signed defensive end Zach Allen. He’s played well enough to earn a contract extension, one that could be on the way soon.
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In addition to Allen, Denver will likely also give an extension to outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (2022 second-round pick). The recent extensions (and upcoming deals) point to a job well done by Paton. The Broncos are drafting well enough to give their picks extensions, and key free agent signings have played well enough to be re-signed. That’s a recipe for success.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: 5 key players got contract extensions since 2024