Nik Bonitto's Pro Bowl Season Leads to Major Broncos Commitment
Nik Bonitto achieved more than just his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025. He convinced the Denver Broncos to make a long-term investment in his future. The 26-year-old outside linebacker signed a substantial four-year contract extension worth $106 million. This deal keeps him with the Broncos through the 2029 season.
The contract includes a $22 million signing bonus and $70 million in guaranteed money. His salary cap hit for 2026 stands at $8.42 million. Bonitto's total career earnings now surpass $27.4 million.
From College Star to NFL Core Player
Bonitto's rise to prominence was no accident. The Denver Broncos drafted him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He came from a strong collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma. Within three seasons, Bonitto developed into a reliable edge threat for the Broncos defense.
His consistent production and availability on the field pushed the Broncos to reward him early. The team extended his contract before his rookie deal expired. This new contract clearly shows how the franchise views him. They see Bonitto as a core defensive piece rather than just a rotational pass rusher.
Breaking Down Bonitto's Financial Journey
Nik Bonitto entered the NFL on a standard four-year rookie contract worth $5.8 million. That initial deal included a $1.4 million signing bonus with fully guaranteed money at signing. He earned base salaries of $705,000 in 2022 and $968,722 in 2023.
In 2024, his earnings increased to $1.23 million with a $349,889 signing proration. This resulted in a $1.58 million cap hit for that season. By the conclusion of his rookie contract in 2025, Bonitto had established the foundation that led to his massive extension.
His early performance justified the Broncos' investment. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph publicly praised Bonitto before the 2024 season. Joseph called him a "special player" and specifically noted "Nik is a special rusher. He had a great year last year. Even with missed time, he had a pretty good year."
Details of the New Contract Extension
Denver extended Bonitto in 2025 with that four-year, $106 million deal. The contract averages $26.5 million per season. It guarantees $38.3 million at signing and $70 million overall.
In 2026, Bonitto will earn a $1.21 million base salary plus a $14.03 million signing bonus. This gives him a total cash payout of $15.24 million for that year.
His salary increases significantly beginning in 2027. That season pays $24.49 million in base salary, which becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth league day of 2026. The following seasons in 2028 and 2029 pay $20.99 million and $25.99 million respectively.
The contract also includes:
- Per-game roster bonuses
- Honors escalators tied to All-Pro selections
- Performance incentives for sack milestones
Before this extension, Bonitto's estimated net worth reflected only his rookie earnings. Salary Sport placed that figure at approximately $5.8 million in 2025. That number now appears outdated given the size of his new contract. His extension positions him among the highest-earning edge defenders in the entire league.
Playoff Controversy Highlights Defense's Value
Denver's 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the 2026 divisional round featured controversial officiating. The ending sparked immediate debate and criticism. Three specific calls shifted momentum and ultimately sealed the Broncos' victory.
Two pass interference penalties on Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White added 47 yards on Denver's final drive. Another call awarded Denver an interception that ended a Bills possession.
The interception ruling involved wide receiver Brandin Cooks and Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. Officials determined that Cooks did not complete the catch before the ball shifted into McMillian's hands. Bills head coach Sean McDermott responded bluntly, stating "It's hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled."
The second disputed moment came on a sideline throw to Courtland Sutton. Officials flagged White for pass interference after he briefly grabbed Sutton's arm. That penalty kept Denver's drive alive.
The final controversial call involved a deeper throw to Marvin Mims Jr. White made clear contact before the ball arrived, and officials again ruled pass interference. That call moved Denver into short field-goal range and effectively ended the game.
These decisions carried extra significance because of Denver head coach Sean Payton's history. In 2019, Payton's New Orleans Saints lost the NFC Championship Game after a missed pass interference call. The coincidence of two major pass interference penalties benefiting Payton's team in this playoff game did not escape observers' notice.
The officiating debate somewhat overshadowed what should have been a defining playoff win for Denver. The Broncos advanced while the Bills went home. For Nik Bonitto, this playoff run reinforced the value of a defense that the franchise is now investing in heavily through contracts like his.
