Sports
The Denver Broncos are preparing to kick off their 2025 season this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, and all eyes are on their revamped defense. With head coach Sean Payton orchestrating the unit and the high-profile acquisitions of Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers, expectations are sky-high that Denver will field one of the league’s most dominant defenses this year.
The good news didn’t stop there for the franchise. Earlier this week, the Broncos announced a monumental contract extension for one of their top defensive stars, edge rusher Nik Bonitto.
Shedeur Sanders ready for his big moment
Another deal in Denver: Nik Bonitto and the Broncos reached agreement today on a four-year extension worth up to $120 million, including $70 million guaranteed.
Reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This landmark deal makes Bonitto the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the Broncos organization.
Bonitto’s massive payday comes on the heels of a spectacular 2024 campaign in which he emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. His breakout season solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s rising stars and earned him the financial security that will benefit him and his family for years to come.
The advantage of Bo Nix’s rookie deal
Denver’s front office was able to execute such a significant move in part because rookie quarterback Bo Nix remains on his initial contract. The financial flexibility provided by having a young signal-caller on a rookie-scale deal gave the team room to lock up multiple stars.
Earlier this offseason, the Broncos also extended cornerback Patrick Surtain II, last year’s Defensive Player of the Year. Securing both Bonitto and Surtain gives Denver a formidable defensive core to build around, ensuring that Payton’s vision of a powerhouse unit can take shape without salary cap constraints.
Under Payton’s leadership, the Broncos have undergone a radical transformation. Once struggling to stay relevant in the AFC West, Denver now projects as a legitimate contender ready to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs, who have long dominated the division.
A highly competitive AFC West
While the Chiefs remain the team to beat, other rivals have improved as well. Jim Harbaugh has quickly elevated the Los Angeles Chargers, making them serious challengers for the division title.
The Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, brought veteran coach Pete Carroll back to the NFL. However, their preseason performances were far from convincing, casting doubts on whether they can be competitive in the early stages of the campaign.
NFL kickoff weekend
The 2025 NFL season officially begins Thursday, September 4, with a marquee matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The following day, the first international game of the year takes place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the Chargers face off against the Chiefs in a historic Friday night clash.
Sunday’s slate features several intriguing contests, capped by the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. The week concludes with a Monday Night Football showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, wrapping up an exciting opening weekend for the league.
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