The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with center Luke Wattenberg, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis first reported on Tuesday evening.
The four-year deal is worth $48 million and includes $27 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. His average salary of $12 million per season is tied for fifth-most among NFL centers.
Denver picked Wattenberg (6-5, 300 pounds) in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Washington. He began his career as a backup swing guard/center and took over starting center duties ahead of the 2024 season after the team lost Lloyd Cushenberry during NFL free agency that spring.
Wattenberg was healthy for 13 starts last season and he started all 11 games so far this fall, anchoring one of the best offensive lines in the league. The 28-year-old lineman has not allowed any sacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and PFF says he has only allowed one quarterback hit. Wattenberg has been penalized eight times.
The Broncos now have their starting five offensive linemen all signed through at least next season: left tackle Garett Bolles (2028), left guard Ben Powers (2026), Wattenberg (2029), right guard Quinn Meinerz (2028) and right tackle Mike McGlinchey (2027). Alex Palczewski, the team’s top backup lineman who is currently serving as a fill-in starter in the place of an injured Powers, is scheduled to become a restricted free agent in the spring.
Denver also signed kicker Wil Lutz to a three-year contract extension during the bye week. Next up in negotiations could be defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, who is currently scheduled to hit free agency in 2026.
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