Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, reliable kickers are often unsung heroes—their ability to convert field goals and extra points can swing close games, and their consistency provides stability to a team’s special teams unit. For the Denver Broncos, finding that reliability became a priority after a 2023 season marked by inconsistency at the kicker position. That search ended in early 2024 when the Broncos announced they had signed Wil Lutz to a new multi-year deal, bringing in a veteran with a proven track record of success. Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos explores the details of this contract, Lutz’s journey to Denver, and how his addition is expected to strengthen the Broncos’ special teams and overall competitiveness in the AFC West.

Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos first delves into the key terms of the contract, which was finalized after weeks of negotiations between Lutz’s representatives and the Broncos’ front office. According to reports from NFL Network, the deal is a three-year contract worth \(12.75 million, with \)7 million guaranteed—making Lutz one of the top 15 highest-paid kickers in the league. The contract includes performance-based incentives, such as \(250,000 bonuses for converting 90% or more of his field goals in a season and \)150,000 for making the Pro Bowl. For Lutz, the guaranteed money was a critical factor, as it provided financial security after he overcame a 2021 core muscle injury that sidelined him for most of the season. “This deal represents more than just money—it’s a vote of confidence from the Broncos organization,” Lutz said in a press conference announcing the signing. “Denver is a team with a winning tradition, and I’m excited to be part of bringing that back.” For the Broncos, the contract balances value and performance: Lutz’s average annual salary of $4.25 million is competitive but not prohibitive, leaving room in the salary cap for other roster needs.

To understand the significance of Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos, it’s essential to look at Lutz’s career leading up to this point—particularly his successful tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Lutz joined the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2016, quickly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent kickers. Over seven seasons in New Orleans, he converted 84.3% of his field goals (ranking 12th among active kickers) and 96.4% of his extra points. His best season came in 2019, when he made 92.1% of his field goals (35 of 38) and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Lutz also proved clutch in high-pressure situations, converting 8 of 10 field goals from 50+ yards in his Saints career and hitting a game-winning 58-yard field goal against the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. While injuries limited him to just four games in 2021, he bounced back in 2022–2023, converting 85.7% of his field goals and showing he had fully recovered. “Wil’s track record speaks for itself,” said Broncos special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. “He’s a kicker who performs well in big games, in tough weather, and under pressure—and that’s exactly what we need in Denver.”

Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos also addresses the Broncos’ kicking needs, which had been a gap for the team in recent seasons. Before signing Lutz, the Broncos cycled through three kickers in 2023: Brandon McManus (who had been with the team since 2016 but was released mid-season), Elliott Fry, and Brett Maher. Combined, these kickers converted just 77.8% of their field goals—ranking 28th in the NFL—and missed five extra points. This inconsistency cost the Broncos in close games: they lost three games by three points or fewer, including a Week 10 loss to the Cleveland Browns where a missed 48-yard field goal in the final minute sealed the defeat. Lutz’s arrival is expected to fix this issue, as he has a history of performing well in Denver’s thin air—a challenge for many kickers. In his career, Lutz has converted 86.7% of his field goals in games played at altitudes above 5,000 feet (Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High sits at 5,280 feet), well above the league average of 81.2% in such conditions. For the Denver Broncos, this signing isn’t just about adding a kicker—it’s about adding a player who can be counted on to deliver in crucial moments, turning potential losses into wins.

Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos further explores how Lutz’s addition will impact the Broncos’ special teams unit as a whole, beyond just field goals and extra points. Special teams are a collaborative effort, and Lutz’s experience is expected to elevate the performance of the entire unit—including long snapper Mitchell Fraboni and holder Sam Martin. Lutz has a history of building strong chemistry with his snappers and holders, which is critical for consistency: in New Orleans, he worked with long snapper Justin Drescher for six seasons, and their timing helped Lutz avoid any blocked kicks from 2017–2020. He also brings leadership to a young special teams group; at 29, he’s one of the more experienced players in the Broncos’ special teams room and has already started mentoring younger players during off-season workouts. “Wil doesn’t just show up to kick—he’s a student of the game,” said Martin, the Broncos’ punter and holder. “He studies wind patterns, practices different holder techniques, and even helps the special teams coverage unit by sharing insights on how to read returners. He makes everyone around him better.” For the Denver Broncos, this kind of leadership is invaluable, as it helps create a culture of excellence in a unit that’s often overlooked but critical to winning.

The final aspect of Wil Lutz Signs New Deal with the Denver Broncos is the long-term implications of the signing for the Broncos’ playoff hopes. The AFC West is one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers all vying for a playoff spot. In such a competitive division, every point matters—and having a reliable kicker can be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out. The Broncos haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, but with a talented roster that includes quarterback Russell Wilson, running back Javonte Williams, and a strong defense led by Von Miller, they’re poised to contend in 2024. Lutz’s consistency will be key to capitalizing on scoring opportunities, especially in games where the offense struggles to reach the end zone. “We have the talent to win the division, but we need to be able to close out games,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Wil gives us that ability. When we get into field goal range, we know he’s going to make the kick—and that changes the way opponents defend us.” For the Denver Broncos, this signing is a statement of intent: they’re not just looking to improve—they’re looking to win. Lutz’s new deal is more than a contract; it’s a piece of the puzzle that could help the Broncos end their playoff drought and return to the NFL’s elite. Together, Lutz’s skill, experience, and leadership make this one of the Broncos’ most important off-season signings—a move that could shape the team’s success for years to come.