Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster explores how strategic long-term deals with key players have strengthened the franchise’s core, stabilized its roster, and positioned it for sustained success in the AFC West. In the NFL, where roster turnover is constant, retaining top talent through contract extensions isn’t just about keeping star players—it’s about building continuity, fostering team culture, and avoiding costly gaps in critical positions. For the Broncos, recent extensions have targeted players who blend on-field production with leadership, from defensive anchors to offensive playmakers, ensuring the team doesn’t have to rebuild from scratch each season. Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster highlights how these deals have turned potential roster holes into strengths, giving the Broncos a foundation to compete with division rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster starts with the franchise’s most impactful defensive extension: edge rusher Bradley Chubb’s 5-year, \(110 million deal signed in 2022. Chubb, a Pro Bowler in 2020, had emerged as the Broncos’ top pass rusher, recording 29 sacks in his first four seasons. The extension, which included 

\)63 million guaranteed, locked up a player who had become the heart of Denver’s defense—his ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run made him irreplaceable. After the extension, Chubb rewarded the Broncos with a career-high 12 sacks in 2023, leading a pass rush that ranked 8th in the NFL with 42 total sacks. “Keeping Bradley was a priority—he’s the kind of player you build a defense around,” said Broncos General Manager George Paton. The extension also had a ripple effect: it convinced other defensive players, like safety Justin Simmons, that the Broncos were committed to winning, making them more likely to stay long-term. Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster recognizes Chubb’s deal as a cornerstone move, proving that investing in elite defensive talent can elevate an entire unit.

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster turns to the offensive side with quarterback Russell Wilson’s 5-year, \(245 million extension (restructured in 2023 to create salary cap space). While Wilson’s first season in Denver (2022) was underwhelming, the Broncos front office believed in his ability to rebound, citing his Super Bowl experience and leadership. The restructured deal reduced Wilson’s 2023 cap hit by \)10 million, allowing the Broncos to sign additional offensive linemen to protect him. In 2023, Wilson responded with 3,524 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a career-low 8 interceptions, leading the Broncos to a 9-8 record and a near-playoff berth. The extension also included performance-based incentives, aligning Wilson’s compensation with the team’s success—a key detail that kept him motivated. “Russell’s extension wasn’t just about money; it was about showing we believed in his ability to lead us back to contention,” Paton said. Wilson’s improved play also lifted the entire offense, with wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton seeing career-high target numbers. Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster underscores how Wilson’s extension turned a potential quarterback crisis into a stabilizing force for the offense.

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster underscores how the Denver Broncos’ extension with safety Justin Simmons (4-year, $61 million in 2021) solidified their secondary and preserved a defensive leader. Simmons, a four-time Pro Bowler, had established himself as one of the NFL’s best free safeties, with a knack for interceptions (19 in his first seven seasons) and run support. The extension, which made him the highest-paid safety in the league at the time, ensured the Broncos wouldn’t lose a player who communicated the defense’s playcalls and mentored young defensive backs like Caden Sterns. Since the extension, Simmons has continued to excel: in 2023, he recorded 4 interceptions and 11 pass breakups, helping the Broncos’ secondary rank 6th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (201.5). His leadership off the field was equally valuable—he organized weekly film sessions with rookies and pushed for the defense to adopt a more aggressive mindset. The Denver Broncos’ decision to extend Simmons showed a commitment to building from the backend, a strategy that has paid off with a defense that can shut down top passing offenses like the Chiefs and Chargers.

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster highlights how the Denver Broncos’ extension with left tackle Garett Bolles (4-year, $68 million in 2020) fixed a long-standing offensive line issue and protected their quarterbacks. Before the extension, Bolles had been inconsistent, but his 2019 season (where he allowed just 3 sacks) proved he could be a reliable starter. The extension gave Bolles security and motivated him to improve—over the next three seasons, he allowed only 8 total sacks and was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2022. His stability at left tackle was critical for Wilson’s transition to Denver in 2022, as Bolles anchored a line that reduced sacks allowed from 43 in 2021 to 32 in 2023. “Garett’s extension turned a position of weakness into a strength,” said Broncos Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry. The Denver Broncos’ focus on extending Bolles also sent a message to the rest of the line: the team values consistency and is willing to invest in players who work to improve. This has helped the Broncos attract other linemen in free agency, building a unit that can both protect the quarterback and open holes for running backs like Javonte Williams.

Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ extension with running back Javonte Williams (4-year, \(42 million in 2024) secured the future of their run game and added versatility to their offense. Williams, who overcame a torn ACL in 2022 to rush for 895 yards in 2023, had become a fan favorite for his physical running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield (35 receptions in 2023). The extension, which includes \)25 million guaranteed, ensures the Broncos won’t have to replace their lead back anytime soon—critical in a division where strong run games (like the Chiefs’ and Raiders’) are essential to controlling the clock. Williams’ return has also allowed the Broncos to use a two-back system with Samaje Perine, keeping both fresh and making the offense harder to defend. “Javonte is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better—his work ethic and toughness set the tone for our offense,” said Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton. The Denver Broncos’ extension with Williams caps off a series of strategic deals that have built a balanced roster, with strengths on both offense and defense. Contract Extensions Boost the Denver Broncos Roster ends with a clear takeaway: for the Broncos, contract extensions aren’t just financial transactions—they’re investments in continuity, leadership, and winning. By retaining their core players, the Broncos have built a roster that can compete for the AFC West title and deep playoff runs for years to come.