Broncos Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Pro Bowl Cornerback Pat Surtain II
The Denver Broncos have made perhaps one of their easiest decisions of the offseason. On Tuesday, the team exercised the fifth-year option on All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II’s rookie contract, keeping him under contract through 2025.
Surtain, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He made his second straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2023 after recording 69 tackles and 12 passes defended. The former Alabama star also allowed a completion percentage of just 59.3% when targeted.
The Broncos are certainly pleased with Surtain’s performance and are eager to keep him in Denver for the long haul. According to Over The Cap, Surtain will earn $6.6 million in 2024, with $3.5 million guaranteed. However, his salary jumps to a fully guaranteed $19.8 million in 2025.
Surtain is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 and is likely to command a massive salary. Pro Football Focus and Over the Cap analyst Brad Spielberger believes Surtain could earn an annual salary between $24.5 million and $27 million, which would make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history.
With Surtain locked up for the next three seasons, the Broncos can now focus on finding a long-term answer at the other cornerback position. The team signed former Steelers cornerback Levi Wallace to a one-year deal on Monday, and he will compete with Riley Moss and Damarri Mathis for the starting job. Denver could also look to add a cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday.
The Broncos are excited about the future with Surtain as their anchor in the secondary. He is a young, talented player who has already proven himself to be one of the best at his position. With Surtain under contract for the next three seasons, the Broncos can build a strong defense around him.
