Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos enjoy their best season in nearly a decade, the franchise has shifted from short-term rebuild mode to long-term contention planning—starting with reaching out to key players for contract extensions. Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos isn’t just a roster management move; it’s a statement of intent, signaling the team’s commitment to locking up the core talent that has fueled their 8-2 start and positioning them for sustained success in the AFC West. For players, these extension talks are a validation of their performance and fit in Sean Payton’s system; for the Broncos, they’re a way to avoid losing impactful contributors to free agency and maintain the chemistry that has turned them into contenders. With several key players entering the final year of their contracts in 2025, the Broncos’ proactive approach to extensions reflects a rare blend of winning in the present and building for the future.

Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos begins with identifying the top priorities for extensions—players whose performance has been irreplaceable to the team’s 2024 success. Leading the list is cornerback Pat Surtain II, whose shutdown coverage (4 interceptions, 35% opponent catch rate) has made him the backbone of the Broncos’ top-3 defense. While Surtain already signed a five-year extension in 2023, the Broncos have approached his camp about restructuring his deal to free up salary cap space for other extensions, while adding incentives that reward his potential Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play. Next is running back Javonte Williams, who has bounced back from a 2022 knee injury to rush for 920 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, and extension talks focus on securing his role as the Broncos’ long-term lead back. The team has also initiated conversations with defensive tackle DJ Jones, whose run-stopping (42 tackles, 5 sacks) and leadership have anchored the defensive line. These three players represent the Broncos’ defensive and offensive cores, making them the first targets in the team’s extension push.

Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos next delves into the Broncos’ salary cap strategy, which has enabled them to pursue extensions without sacrificing their 2024 playoff run. According to NFL salary cap analysts, the Broncos currently have approximately \(35 million in cap space for 2025—a buffer that allows them to offer competitive deals while retaining flexibility to sign free agents or draft picks. The team’s approach involves structuring extensions with “backloaded” contracts, where base salaries are lower in the early years (freeing up cap space) and increase in later years (rewarding players for continued performance). For example, talks with Williams are centered on a four-year deal worth around \)50 million, with $25 million guaranteed— a number that reflects his status as a top-10 running back in the league, while avoiding the exorbitant costs of elite-tier backs. The Broncos are also leveraging their success on the field to negotiate team-friendly terms; players are more willing to take slightly less money to stay with a contender, especially one with a proven coach like Payton. This strategic balance of cap management and competitive compensation has been key to the Broncos’ ability to pursue multiple extensions at once.

Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos highlights why the Denver Broncos are prioritizing early extension talks—before the chaos of the 2025 free agency market. By initiating conversations midseason, the Broncos can avoid losing players to rival teams that may offer larger contracts or more prominent roles. For example, defensive tackle DJ Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, and his performance this season (5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) has already drawn interest from teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. By reaching out now, the Broncos can lock Jones up at a lower cost than they would in free agency, where bidding wars often drive up prices. Early extensions also help maintain locker-room chemistry; when players see the team investing in its core, it boosts morale and reinforces the idea that the Broncos are building something sustainable. “Knowing the team wants to keep us together means a lot,” Jones said in a recent interview. “We’ve built something special here, and no one wants to leave that.” The Denver Broncos’ front office, led by general manager George Paton, has a history of early extensions—they locked up Surtain in 2023 before his breakout season—and this approach has paid off by keeping key players happy and committed.

Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos examines the impact of these extensions on the team’s future, particularly as they aim to build a playoff-contending roster beyond 2024. Locking up Surtain, Williams, and Jones ensures the Broncos retain their defensive and offensive anchors for at least the next three to four years—a critical foundation for competing in the tough AFC West. For example, Surtain’s presence allows the Broncos to continue running their aggressive defensive scheme, as his ability to shut down one side of the field frees up other defenders to blitz or drop into coverage. Williams’ extension ensures the Broncos won’t have to rebuild their running game, which has been a key part of Payton’s offensive strategy (the Broncos rank 8th in rushing yards per game). The Denver Broncos are also using these extensions to attract other talent; when free agents see the team investing in its core, they’re more likely to sign on, knowing the Broncos are committed to winning. For instance, the Broncos’ extension talks with Jones could help them recruit a pass-rushing defensive end in free agency, as players will want to join a defensive line that already includes a proven run-stopper. These extensions aren’t just about keeping current players—they’re about building a reputation as a team that values its talent and competes year in and year out.

Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos concludes with the potential challenges and next steps in the extension process. While talks with Surtain, Williams, and Jones are progressing smoothly, the Broncos face tough decisions with other contributors, like backup quarterback Bo Nix and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Nix has emerged as a clutch performer (four fourth-quarter comebacks) but is currently under a one-year deal, and the Broncos will need to decide whether to extend him as a backup or trade him for draft capital. Jeudy, meanwhile, has been a reliable receiver (45 catches, 600 yards) but has struggled with consistency, making his extension a lower priority. The Denver Broncos are also mindful of the 2025 NFL draft, where they hold a first-round pick, and they don’t want to tie up too much cap space that could be used to draft and develop young talent. Despite these challenges, the Broncos’ extension strategy is clear: lock up the core, maintain flexibility, and keep building toward a Super Bowl. Reached Out to Players for Extensions by the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a story of strategic planning— a franchise that has learned from past mistakes, embraced its current success, and is now laying the groundwork for a new era of winning. For Broncos fans, these extensions are a reason to be excited: the team isn’t just good now— it’s built to stay good for years to come.