Versatile $18 Million Playmaker Sends Clear Message After Inking Broncos Deal

The Denver Broncos avoided the publicity of being the last team to sign their first-round pick this year, signing No. 20 overall pick Jahdae Barron to a four-year, $18.1 million rookie-scale contract just in time for the start of training camp. Barron, for one, is happy.

Barron made a strong early impression during the Broncos’ offseason program, but his delayed signing threatened his availability for training camp.

“Thankful,” Barron posted on X on July 16, sharing the team’s post. “Grateful and Blessed.”

DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens called the timing of Barron’s signing “perfect.” Broncos rookies, such as Barron, reported for training camp on July 16.

“Let’s get to work,” the Broncos’ social media team said, tagging Barron in a separate post.

With Barron’s deal with the Broncos done, only one 2025 first-round pick remains unsigned. That is Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, who could even attempt to return to school amid his contract dispute.

Jahdae Barron Sorted Out ‘Key Holdup’ With Broncos

Rookie contracts are slotted in the NFL, and first-round picks receive fully guaranteed deals. He was always going to sign a deal worth $18.1 million over four years with a fifth-year option. However, Barron’s issue was not the money, but rather the language in the deal.

“A key holdup in the #Broncos–Jahdae Barron negotiations was the payout timing of his signing bonus,” The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov reported on X on July 16. “My understanding is Barron ultimately secured a deal where he’ll receive the full $9.8M signing bonus in 2025 — a big win for the rookie.”

Barron can now focus on his goal of buying his mother a house. He was waiting for this.

“That takes some time, but I have some people on it,” Barron said, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on X on June 13. “But it’s no rush. She knows it’s coming.”

Broncos Complete Secondary Facelift

The Broncos are not out of the woods with their rookie draft class. That is even after getting Barron squared away, with running back RJ Harvey one of the many second-round picks who have yet to put pen to paper.

Still, Barron’s official signing allows the Broncos to put their remodeled secondary on the field from the start of training camp.

Barron joins a group headlined by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Pat Surtain II.

The Broncos have promising 2023 third-round pick Riley Moss at cornerback. Barron should slot inside at the nickelback spot. They also have free agent signings Brandon Jones (2024) and Talanoa Hufanga (2025) manning the safety spots.

“He brings a lot of versatility towards the defense. He’s smart, savvy, he makes plays, and it’s a big addition on our team, because I know he will make plays,” Surtain told reporters during a charity even for his foundation in June. “He’s catching up there, so it’s a great addition towards our team.”

Barron should add more playmaking and versatility for the Broncos, who ranked third in scoring defense, seventh overall, during the 2024 regular season.

The Broncos ranked 19th against the pass, but they were sixth in passing TDs allowed.