Per Pro Football Focus data, Allen led interior defensive linemen in sacks (12) and total pressures (75) a season ago. He was named second-team All-Pro after his breakout season.
Originally a third-round pick (No. 65 overall) by the Arizona Cardinals, Allen first signed a three-year, $45.75M contract with the Broncos during 2023 free agency.
He overperformed at that price, but his extension is much more in line with his production.
The Broncos have taken care of their own recently, also extending wideout Courtland Sutton on July 28 on a four-year, $92M contract.
With Allen and Sutton under contract through their prime seasons, it’s time for Denver to turn its attention to star edge-rusher Nik Bonitto.
The 2022 second-round pick (No. 64 overall) is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Last season, he finished ninth in Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year while recording a career-high 13.5 sacks.
This offseason, edge-rushers Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby and George Karlaftis have signed lucrative extensions. The Broncos would be wise to follow the trend and keep Bonitto, who turns 26 in September, in-house.
Based on recent contract signings, Bonitto should land in the ballpark of Karlaftis’ four-year, $93M extension. While Bonitto is nearly two years older, both were members of the 2022 draft class and have comparable numbers through three seasons, with Karlaftis posting 24.5 sacks and Bonitto 23.
Considering the top earners at the position can expect $40M in average annual value (AAV), getting Bonitto signed for considerably less per year — around $23M-$25M — would be a massive win.
Denver ranked No. 3 in total defense (317.1 yards per game) and No. 7 in scoring defense (18.3 points per game) last year. The unit will be more likely to sustain its success if the front office can keep more players.
The Broncos snapped their eight-year postseason drought in 2024, and if quarterback Bo Nix continues to develop, they should be in the thick of the playoff conversation again this season.
Sutton and Allen’s extensions are the first steps to ensuring Denver remains a factor in the AFC. Extending Bonitto needs to be next.
