Denver Broncos' outside linebacker Nik Bonitto led the team with 13.5 sacks in 2024, and now he's in a contract year. Bonitto recently broke his silence in regards to a new contract.

Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto met with media at his youth football camp today and gave an update on his contract status with the team. He told reporters that contract talks with the Broncos are “happening right now” and that he is allowing his agent to do the negotiating.

Gradually, this has become Nik Bonitto’s home. Just like Fort Lauderdale, where he sprouted enough potential in high school to once tell off Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Just like Norman, where he bulked a thin frame enough to dominate the edge at Oklahoma.

There was a lingering threat of a holdout from running back RJ Harvey as second-round draft picks across the league held firm in hopes of securing more guaranteed money in their contracts, but the rookie got a deal done (with more guaranteed pay) ahead of camp. Now, how about the veterans?

Bonitto had a breakout campaign in 2024, accumulating 13.5 sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro appearance. That came after a strong sophomore campaign where the Broncos youngster had eight sacks as a situational pass-rusher.

Franklin-Myers skipped OTAs as he pursued a new deal, and the veteran later took to social media to warn the Broncos that both the Rams and Jets regretted moving on from him. The defender was later in attendance for the start of training camp, and it sounds like he’s now given up on securing a new deal ahead of next offseason’s free agency.

The Denver Broncos have a significant decision to make on fourth-year outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season.

Bonitto has been a star for the Broncos, while Karlaftis hasn’t received the same level of attention, partly due to the other stars on the Chiefs' defense. Despite the lack of attention, Karlaftis has been a good and consistent player for the Chiefs, which is why his extension is good news for the Broncos.

Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, pass rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive linemen Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are among the team's players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2026. All four are worthy of contract extensions, but coach Sean Payton was unwilling to give much of an update on that topic.

As for his market value, Spotrac calculates Bonitto landing a four-year, $102.1 million contract — roughly $25.5 million annually — making him the third-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL.