Broncos Star Edge Rusher Nik Bonitto Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract
The Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2024. They allowed the third-fewest points and seventh-fewest yards per game in the NFL, and were buoyed by a pass-rush that generated 63 sacks in the regular season — the most in the NFL.
Advertisement
A catalyst for the Broncos' success up front was edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The former 2022 second-round pick had a career-high 13.5 sacks in the regular season, the third-most in the league, and earned a Second-Team All-Pro nomination for the first time. Bonitto is a free agent after the 2025 season, and one NFL analyst had some key advice heading into a big year.
Appearing on the 'DNVR Broncos Podcast', NFL Analyst Brian Baldinger joined the show to discuss whether or not the Broncos should pay Bonitto this offseason and offered some insight on the situation.
Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) celebrates his sack.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
'It's all business. He's put two real good years back-to-back. I would say the breakout came in 23, but certainly last year.' Baldinger said, before highlighting that as Bonitto's play grows, so does the attention that offenses give to stopping him. 'The chips that are coming, the slides that are coming, all of those things are now going to be coming Nik's way.'
Advertisement
As much as Baldinger hyped up Bonitto, he pointed out the fact that nothing comes for free in the NFL now. 'Teams aren't just going to throw you the top money at the edge rushing position, they're going to make you fight for it. Most teams are like that.' And that's the way the NFL works. Extensions have to be earned at the top level, especially when big money is being thrown around. The Broncos know Bonitto and his talent, but he has to keep working.
However, Baldinger notably added this, 'I always feel like players should bet on themselves.' That's key. If Bonitto wants to be paid by the Broncos this season, he has to carry on being the player that got him into this position. He knows his worth, as does everyone who watched him dominate on the field in 2024.
Losing Bonitto would be a blow to a Broncos team that is vying for the playoffs once again after finishing with a 10-7 record in 2024, and making the postseason for the first time since 2015. A deal might not be too far away, especially if Bonitto continues to bet on himself.
Related: Broncos General Manager Reveals Real Feelings on Sean Payton
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cal Raleigh mania continues to take over Seattle on Friday
There may not be a hotter name in Major League Baseball than Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. The Raleigh mania continued early Friday as he went deep in his first at-bat of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. After Julio Rodriguez reached base, the "Big Dumper" absolutely pounded a 92 mph fastball from Pirates pitcher Bailey Falter, sending it deep into the stands and igniting the Seattle faithful once again. Advertisement MLB NEWS: Early fireworks on 4th of July between Mets and Yankees It was the 34th home run of the season for the slugger. Earlier this week, Raleigh was named the American League catcher for the 2025 All-Star Game, a well-earned honor following his standout performance throughout the first half of the season. He is also hitting .270 for Seattle, and his two runs batted in here were his 72nd and 73rd of the season. Raleigh has been a key piece in Seattle's offensive success, delivering clutch hits and handling a pitching staff that continues to improve. Seattle started the game with a 45–42 record, which was the third wild card in the American League behind the Yankees and the Rays. Seattle took a 3–2 loss at the hands of the Kansas City Royals on Thursday but looks to bounce back quickly. Advertisement Following this series, the Mariners will head out on the road and play three at Yankee Stadium starting Tuesday. MORE MLB NEWS:
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Everyone Had Same Reaction To Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Report
Everyone Had Same Reaction To Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Report originally appeared on The Spun. A rather interesting report has emerged out of Cleveland involving the Browns' two most interesting quarterbacks: Rookie Shedeur Sanders and injured Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson. Advertisement According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, while he's been recovering from his Achilles injury, Watson is reportedly supporting the other four quarterbacks on the team. But he's apparently taken extra interest in Sanders has is reportedly taking him "under his wing." 'Watson has been an awesome teammate inside the quarterback room and meeting rooms, and has been a great cheerleader for the four quarterbacks vying for the starting job...' Cabot reported earlier this week. "He's been especially helpful to the rookies in Gabriel and Sanders, who are working overtime to remain in the starting mix.' But given the problems that Watson has had over the past few years, both on the field and off the field, NFL fans aren't exactly thrilled about him being a mentor to Sanders. Advertisement Seemingly everyone is saying the same thing in different ways: It's a bad idea. "This will be the first part of my 'How it started'/'How it's going' post. Shouldn't need to wait too long for the second part," one user wrote. "This is like when Ralphie started giving Jackie Jr advice," another wrote, referencing The Sopranos. "This is laugh out loud funny," wrote a third. "Why does this feel like the plot of Training Day?" "The pain of being a Browns fan never freaking ends..." "So when Shedeur begins to visit dozens of massage therapists, he's have them sign an NDA up front." Advertisement "He's showing him the best massage parlors in the Land." "Oh gosh please .... I hope he wont corrupt Shedeur." LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by)Deshaun Watson's off-the-field issues are well-documented. He will pretty much forever be known for the allegations involving dozens of massage therapists that accused him of assault during his time with the Houston Texans. To make maters worse, Watson hasn't play at the same Pro Bowl level with the Browns since joining them in that blockbuster trade several years ago. In three seasons with the team he's played in just 19 games despite playing on a full guaranteed contract. Advertisement That's not to say that Shedeur Sanders can't become a better player learning from the three-time Pro Bowler, but there are risks too. Related: Deion Sanders' Son, Deshuan Watson's Quarterback Coach Get Into Social Media Dispute Everyone Had Same Reaction To Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Report first appeared on The Spun on Jul 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Makes Personal Announcement
Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Makes Personal Announcement originally appeared on The Spun. With the NFL season still two months away, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had an update to share regarding his personal life. Advertisement The Browns acquired Watson in March 2022 and immediately signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract. He hasn't lived up to that deal, that's for sure. In 19 career appearances for the Browns, he has completed 61.2 percent of his passes for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Another issue for Watson is that he hasn't been healthy. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The veteran quarterback tore his Achilles yet again during his recovery process. The Browns don't expect to have Watson at any point during the 2025 season. They're expected to start either Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett. Of course, there's an outside change Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders perform well in training camp. While those four quarterbacks get ready for a training camp battle, Watson is enjoying life with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Jilly Anais. LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans and Jilly Anais attend the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images) On Thursday night, Watson revealed that he's now married to Anais. He shared a photo of their diamond wedding bands on his Instagram account. Advertisement Watson's post also showed "07.03.25" stitched on the arm of his white shirt. Check it out: Deshaun Watson showed off his diamond wedding Watson/IG. Anais, a 2025 Swim Search finalist, represented the iconic magazine on the runway during Miami Swim Week. She currently has 2.4 million followers on Instagram. As for Watson's career as an NFL quarterback, we're not sure what the future has in store for him. All we know is that he's not ready to retire. "Everyone is doubting me." Watson said. "Everyone don't believe in me, Everyone don't think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself. The peace that I've been channelling the last couple of months. I know, I'm gonna be way better than before." Advertisement Related: Everyone Had Same Reaction To Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Report Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Makes Personal Announcement first appeared on The Spun on Jul 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
