Nik Bonitto was rewarded for his top pass rusher play by the Denver Broncos. Sean Payton’s team gave him a four-year extension worth up to $120 million, with $70 million guaranteed. After Jordan Schultz reported this, the pass rusher gave seven words to imply what the next goal is.
“Let’s go win this f—— chip now!” Nik Bonitto posted on X. The message is loud, bold and clear. The Broncos are making moves to challenge for it all, and Sean Payton is establishing a winning culture around it. Now, they’re putting their money where their mouth is, at least in Bonitto’s case.
This is not the only defensive move they’ve done within their own roster. Earlier in the offseason, the Broncos also extended defensive lineman Zach Allen to a $102 million, four-year extension. Football is won in the trenches and the Broncos are racking up ammunition.
The offense is also seeing moves
The Broncos know that defense wins championships, but offense must make its part too. Hence, after seeing Bo Nix blossom as a rookie quarterback into a possible franchise player, the team also extended Courtland Sutton, its best wide receiver.
While the Broncos were not as aggressive bringing names in, they are being aggressive keeping the ones they already have. As for new faces, they brought running back J.K. Dobbins and tight end Evan Engram. The team also drafted WR Pat Bryant in the third round and RB R.J. Harvey in the second.
What are the Broncos expectations?
For Bonitto, it’s the championship. Realistically, the Broncos were a playoff team last season and they should remain one. Hence, the first step is to challenge Kansas City Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West.
Then, go a step further in the NFL Playoffs. Denver was eliminated in the Wild Card round, so getting a playoff win should be the next priority. However, one thing is clear, the team is taking plenty of steps in the right direction.