ESPN Sources: Denver Broncos and two-time Pro-Bowl CB Patrick Surtain ll reached agreement today on a four-year, $96 million extension that includes $77.5 million guaranteed, now making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2024
Tory Dandy of CAA negotiated the deal. pic.twitter.com/RF8NaAWMuG
Surtain is only 24 years old and was about to enter the fourth season of his first-round rookie contract, so the Broncos are signing him near the beginning of his extension eligibility. The deal's $24 million annual average makes him the highest-paid defensive back in the league, easily surpassing Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield's $21.025 million per year.
Surtain entered the league as the Broncos' ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene with a spectacular rookie season, notching four interceptions and 14 passes defended while allowing a mere 61.3 passer rating on throws in his direction. All three remain career bests.
Surtain's excellence out of the gate quickly established him as a star, but the Broncos have failed to capitalize on his ability as a cover corner. In Surtain's breakout 2021 season, the Broncos defense allowed an impressive 18.9 points per game. They've regressed steeply in the years since, allowing 21.1 points per game in 2022 and 24.3 in 2023.
Clearly, the Broncos believe Surtain will be essential in turning that trend around. It may take some time. The failure of the Russell Wilson trade has left them with limited draft ammunition and depleted cap space. They didn't land a defensive player until the third round of this year's draft, and their most notable free agent acquisitions were former New York Jets defensive lineman John Franklin-Meyers (two years, $15 million) and former Miami Dolphins safety Brandon Jones (three years, $20 million). The Broncos also released two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons for cap relief. Even with one of the league's best young defensive players, the Broncos defense could struggle in 2024 and beyond.
Photo Credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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