Latest news with #EdgeRusher
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos Star Edge Rusher Nik Bonitto Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract
Broncos Star Edge Rusher Nik Bonitto Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 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 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.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Super Bowl stars Josh Sweat and Milton Williams headline a list of NFL free agents
NFL teams can start reshaping their rosters by signing free agents this week. There's plenty of attention on the quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Aaron Rodgers technically isn't a free agent but the New York Jets already said they plan to release him so he's free to find a new team. Agents can start negotiating with teams at 12 p.m. EDT Monday when the legal tampering period opens. Players can't officially sign new deals until the start of the league's new year at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Here's a look at 25 non-quarterbacks who will be available: 1. Josh Sweat, Edge Rusher, Philadelphia Eagles Sweat is set to cash in after an impressive performance in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. He had 2 1/2 sacks on Patrick Mahomes. Sweat has averaged eight sacks per season since becoming a starter in 2021. 2. Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, New York Jets Adams still caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in a down year spent with the Raiders and Jets. He's a three-time All-Pro who has averaged 103 catches, 1,290 yards and 11 TDs over the past seven seasons. 3. Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles Williams had two sacks in the Super Bowl and showed he's ready to play a major role on a defensive line after thriving as a rotational player for the Eagles. 4. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback, San Francisco 49ers A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Ward dealt with adversity last season following the death of his daughter. 5. Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Detroit Lions The seven-year veteran stabilized Detroit's secondary in his first year with the Lions after spending the first six in Tampa Bay. 6. Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coming off a gruesome ankle injury that forced him to miss the final 10 games, the 29-year-old Godwin may not get the massive deal he was on pace for when he had 50 catches for 576 yards in just seven games. 7. Drew Dalman, Center, Atlanta Falcons A reliable starter for a top offensive line, Dalman is the best center on the open market. 8. D.J. Reed, Cornerback, New York Jets He allowed just two TDs last season and opposing QBs completed just 46.3% of their passes against him. 9. Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers Greenlaw should be all the way back to his old form after returning from an Achilles injury last year. 10. Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher, New York Jets Before a holdout ruined his 2024 season, Reddick had 27 sacks in two seasons in Philadelphia. 11. Byron Murphy, Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings Murphy had his best season last year with a career-high six interceptions and allowed a 62.0 passer rating. 12. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills Cooper has had seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 10 years. He was limited by injuries when he split time with the Browns and Bills last year. 13. Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs He's a third-down player and was a leader for Steve Spagnuolo's stout defense. 14. Jevon Holland, Safety, Miami Dolphins Despite a down season in 2024, Holland is the top safety on the market. 15. Will Fries, Right Guard, Indianapolis Colts Despite playing just five games due to a broken tibia, Fries should get a significant deal. 16. Khalil Mack, Edge Rusher, Los Angeles Chargers He's 34 and his sack total dropped from 17 to six last season but Mack still can provide a boost for teams needing a pass rush specialist. 17. Justin Reid, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs A proven leader who'd be a big upgrade for a secondary. 18. Cam Robinson, Left Tackle, Minnesota Vikings Several teams could use a solid anchor to protect their quarterback's blind side. 19. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans Diggs is coming off an ACL injury that limited him to eight games but the four-time Pro Bowl pick could transition well to a slot role. 20. Tre'von Moehrig, Safety, Las Vegas Raiders After recording a career-high 104 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 2024. Moehrig increased his stock. 21. Mekhi Bechton, Right Guard, Philadelphia Eagles Bechton moved from tackle to guard and revived his career in Philadelphia on one of the league's best lines. 22. Tevin Jenkins, Offensive Guard, Chicago Bears Jenkins is another solid starter who should quickly find a home in free agency. 23. Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers He's a playmaker despite the criticism he receives for his tackling. 24. Jamien Sherwood, Linebacker, New York Jets He was the best player on a disappointing defense filled with star talent. 25. Josh Myers, Center, Green Bay Packers Myers allowed just one sack last year and has started 50 of the last 51 games. ___ AP NFL: Rob Maaddi, The Associated Press
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Super Bowl stars Josh Sweat and Milton Williams headline a list of NFL free agents
NFL teams can start reshaping their rosters by signing free agents this week. There's plenty of attention on the quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Aaron Rodgers technically isn't a free agent but the New York Jets already said they plan to release him so he's free to find a new team. Agents can start negotiating with teams at 12 p.m. EDT Monday when the legal tampering period opens. Players can't officially sign new deals until the start of the league's new year at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Here's a look at 25 non-quarterbacks who will be available: 1. Josh Sweat, Edge Rusher, Philadelphia Eagles Sweat is set to cash in after an impressive performance in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. He had 2 1/2 sacks on Patrick Mahomes. Sweat has averaged eight sacks per season since becoming a starter in 2021. 2. Davante Adams, Wide Receiver, New York Jets Adams still caught 85 passes for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in a down year spent with the Raiders and Jets. He's a three-time All-Pro who has averaged 103 catches, 1,290 yards and 11 TDs over the past seven seasons. 3. Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles Williams had two sacks in the Super Bowl and showed he's ready to play a major role on a defensive line after thriving as a rotational player for the Eagles. 4. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback, San Francisco 49ers A second-team All-Pro in 2023, Ward dealt with adversity last season following the death of his daughter. 5. Carlton Davis, Cornerback, Detroit Lions The seven-year veteran stabilized Detroit's secondary in his first year with the Lions after spending the first six in Tampa Bay. 6. Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coming off a gruesome ankle injury that forced him to miss the final 10 games, the 29-year-old Godwin may not get the massive deal he was on pace for when he had 50 catches for 576 yards in just seven games. 7. Drew Dalman, Center, Atlanta Falcons A reliable starter for a top offensive line, Dalman is the best center on the open market. 8. D.J. Reed, Cornerback, New York Jets He allowed just two TDs last season and opposing QBs completed just 46.3% of their passes against him. 9. Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers Greenlaw should be all the way back to his old form after returning from an Achilles injury last year. 10. Haason Reddick, Edge Rusher, New York Jets Before a holdout ruined his 2024 season, Reddick had 27 sacks in two seasons in Philadelphia. 11. Byron Murphy, Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings Murphy had his best season last year with a career-high six interceptions and allowed a 62.0 passer rating. 12. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills Cooper has had seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 10 years. He was limited by injuries when he split time with the Browns and Bills last year. 13. Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs He's a third-down player and was a leader for Steve Spagnuolo's stout defense. 14. Jevon Holland, Safety, Miami Dolphins Despite a down season in 2024, Holland is the top safety on the market. 15. Will Fries, Right Guard, Indianapolis Colts Despite playing just five games due to a broken tibia, Fries should get a significant deal. 16. Khalil Mack, Edge Rusher, Los Angeles Chargers He's 34 and his sack total dropped from 17 to six last season but Mack still can provide a boost for teams needing a pass rush specialist. 17. Justin Reid, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs A proven leader who'd be a big upgrade for a secondary. 18. Cam Robinson, Left Tackle, Minnesota Vikings Several teams could use a solid anchor to protect their quarterback's blind side. 19. Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans Diggs is coming off an ACL injury that limited him to eight games but the four-time Pro Bowl pick could transition well to a slot role. 20. Tre'von Moehrig, Safety, Las Vegas Raiders After recording a career-high 104 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 2024. Moehrig increased his stock. 21. Mekhi Bechton, Right Guard, Philadelphia Eagles Bechton moved from tackle to guard and revived his career in Philadelphia on one of the league's best lines. 22. Tevin Jenkins, Offensive Guard, Chicago Bears Jenkins is another solid starter who should quickly find a home in free agency. 23. Asante Samuel Jr., Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers He's a playmaker despite the criticism he receives for his tackling. 24. Jamien Sherwood, Linebacker, New York Jets He was the best player on a disappointing defense filled with star talent. 25. Josh Myers, Center, Green Bay Packers Myers allowed just one sack last year and has started 50 of the last 51 games. ___
