The Broncos breakout pass rusher told reporters that contract talks with the team are happening right now.
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.
At his youth football camp hosted today at Columbine High, #Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto said contract-extension talks are “happening right now,” but leaving conversations to agent.
Has obviously seen edge market evolve this offseason. Feels he’s “in a good position right now.” pic.twitter.com/PwNi9BloPX
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) July 20, 2025
Bonitto, a former second-round pick by the Broncos, is coming off a breakout year where he totaled 13.5 sacks, made the Pro Bowl, and was named a Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press. He is a key member of the Broncos’ top-ranked defense and is entering the final year of his rookie deal and the two-sides are trying to work towards an extension to keep him with the Broncos.
The Broncos have a number of key players entering the final years of their rookie deal, with Bonitto near or at the top of that list. Defensive linemen Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach, veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, and Bonitto are all set to hit free agency at the end of the season. Ideally, the Broncos would like to lock up at least two of them (Bonitto and Allen, probably the most likely) before the offseason, but it won’t be cheap.
Earlier today, the Kansas City Chiefs signed pass rusher George Karlaftis to a four-year extension worth $93 million dollars with $63 million of that guaranteed. It is likely that will be something Bonitto and his agent will be aiming for in their talks with the Broncos.
Bonitto turns 26 years old in September and is entering the prime years of his career. With the Broncos’ contender window wide open with QB Bo Nix on a rookie deal, the team should find a way to get a deal done with their young passer. We saw them lead the NFL in sacks last season, and they should keep that unit strong moving forward by locking up Bonitto.
We’ll see if the two sides can get something done before the start of camp or if this will drag on throughout the season and potentially into the offseason.