The Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2024. They allowed the third-fewest points and seventh-fewest yards per game in the NFL, and were buoyed by a pass-rush that generated 63 sacks in the regular season — the most in the NFL.
A catalyst for the Broncos' success up front was edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The former 2022 second-round pick had a career-high 13.5 sacks in the regular season, the third-most in the league, and earned a Second-Team All-Pro nomination for the first time. Bonitto is a free agent after the 2025 season, and one NFL analyst had some key advice heading into a big year.
Appearing on the “DNVR Broncos Podcast”, NFL Analyst Brian Baldinger joined the show to discuss whether or not the Broncos should pay Bonitto this offseason and offered some insight on the situation.
“It’s all business. He’s put two real good years back-to-back. I would say the breakout came in 23, but certainly last year.” Baldinger said, before highlighting that as Bonitto’s play grows, so does the attention that offenses give to stopping him. “The chips that are coming, the slides that are coming, all of those things are now going to be coming Nik’s way.”
As much as Baldinger hyped up Bonitto, he pointed out the fact that nothing comes for free in the NFL now. “Teams aren’t just going to throw you the top money at the edge rushing position, they’re going to make you fight for it. Most teams are like that.” And that’s the way the NFL works. Extensions have to be earned at the top level, especially when big money is being thrown around. The Broncos know Bonitto and his talent, but he has to keep working.
However, Baldinger notably added this, “I always feel like players should bet on themselves.” That’s key. If Bonitto wants to be paid by the Broncos this season, he has to carry on being the player that got him into this position. He knows his worth, as does everyone who watched him dominate on the field in 2024.
Losing Bonitto would be a blow to a Broncos team that is vying for the playoffs once again after finishing with a 10-7 record in 2024, and making the postseason for the first time since 2015. A deal might not be too far away, especially if Bonitto continues to bet on himself.
