Broncos Find Inspiration in Structuring Nik Bonitto’s via Another Contract Extension

It’s now or never for the Denver Broncos as they try to sign outside linebacker Nik Bonitto to a contract extension. Given that he’s in the final season of his rookie-scale deal, they could risk losing him for nothing without a contract in place before the 2025 NFL season ends.

Likewise, a price surge would occur if his new deal occurred sooner rather than later because of the impending extensions for other elite edge rushers like Micah Parsons, who could command a contract close to Miles Garrett’s $40 million annual average.

Luckily for the Broncos, they’ve found an example they can use to structure Bonitto’s contract. Ironically, it comes from their division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, after they’ve agreed to terms with George Karlaftis.

As SI.com’s Erick Trickel wrote in an article published on July 20, “On the extension, the Chiefs gave Karlaftis $93 million over four years with $62 million guaranteed. Why is that good news for the Broncos? Well, it gives them a ceiling for a potential Bonitto extension.”

Why is Karlaftis’ contract extension significant? Trickel argued, “This may be upsetting for some Broncos fans, but Karlaftis has been the better player over the length of their careers. One significant difference is that Karlaftis is a significantly better run defender, and his overall production has been better; he is also almost two years younger than Bonitto.”

Furthermore, Trickel added that while Bonitto had more sacks (13.5) than Karlaftis (8) last season, the Chiefs’ defensive end has more career sacks (24.5 to 23) in their first three seasons. Likewise, he added that while Bonitto is excellent in chasing the quarterback, Karlaftis is a more well-rounded player and a better run defender.

Analyst Sees Concern for Broncos If Bonitto’s Extension Isn’t Done Soon

The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler wrote that if he oversaw the Broncos’ player contracts, he would give Courtland Sutton and Zach Allen well-deserved contract extensions while assigning Bonitto to the franchise tag.

However, CBS Sports analyst Joel Corry contradicted that approach. Inspired by Corry’s reasoning, Keeler wrote, “If I don’t pay Bonitto now, the analyst noted, I’m letting someone else — probably Dallas with Parsons, maybe the Lions with Hutchinson — set No. 15’s asking price going forward. Especially if Bonitto repeats his Pro Bowl numbers (13.5 sacks, two fumbles forced, four pass break-ups) from 2024.”

Hence, the Broncos are hoping to lock Bonitto long-term without breaking the bank, even if they’ll have more spending power next season because the dead cap from Russell Wilson’s five-year, $242.5 million extension is off the books. Therefore, Karlaftis’ $23.25 million average is a conversation starter.

Bonitto Confirms Ongoing Contract Talks

During his first-ever youth football camp, Bonitto shared with DenverSports.com’s Andrew Mason, “Those types of talks are happening right now, but I kind of just keep that with my agent [and] let him handle that. My focus is just winning and trying to get a championship.”

Bonitto earned a base salary of $1,232,445 despite finishing with 13.5 sacks last season. Given that he lets his team take charge of the negotiations, the All-Pro linebacker is aware that finalizing a deal could take days or months.

In addition to his sacks, Bonitto is one of only three Broncos to score a pick-six. The former Oklahoma standout also established career-highs in solo tackles (33), passes defended (4), and forced fumbles (2).