Broncos Praised After $96 Million Decision on Award-Winning Playmaker

The Denver Broncos had the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 in cornerback Patrick Surtain II. That award would have made his previous contract negotiations more complex had he won it one year earlier. Surtain also could have waited.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano deemed Surtain’s four-year, $96 million contract signed in September as the most “team-friendly” among cornerbacks.

However, there is also a chance of changing as soon as next offseason.

“Maybe he should have waited until after the season and after the Jaycee Horn and Derek Stingley Jr. deals came in, and asked the Broncos if either of them has ever won DPOY. Though Surtain’s deal is strong, it shouldn’t rank behind those two players,” Graziano wrote on June 27. “You could make the case that Surtain did his deal too early or that Horn was smart to wait, but looking at the two deals next to each other makes you scratch your head.

“The better player at the same position got $6 million less in total guarantees. And sure, Surtain landed $11 million more in injury guarantees, but he has never been injured. And Horn has been a lot.”

Horn was selected No. 8 overall, one pick ahead of Surtain, in the 2021 draft.

Surtain has appeared in 66 games to 37 appearances for Horn, leading to a significant edge in production for the Broncos’ star.

Broncos CB Pat Surtain II Could See Another Big Payday Soon

Graziano sorted through the other details that further framed the Broncos’ deal with Surtain in a positive light.

“Surtain received a $15 million signing bonus, a fully guaranteed $3.519 million in 2024 and a fully guaranteed $22.17 million in 2025. His $17.632 million in 2026 compensation was injury-guaranteed at signing and became fully guaranteed this past March, so he’s sure to have earned $58.321 million over the first three years of the deal. That’s an average of $19.44 million per year. Contrast that with Horn, who will earn $64.472 million over the first three years of his deal in Carolina, and it looks as if the Broncos got a bargain,” Graziano wrote.

“Surtain’s deal turned out to be great for the Broncos, who probably confront a need to give him a raise if he keeps playing the way he has been playing and the cornerback market continues to race past him.”

Surtain’s contract with the Broncos ranks sixth in total value, fourth in average value, and second in total guaranteed money, per Over The Cap.

Pat Surtain II Delivered on Preseason Goal

Surtain was a Pro Bowler in 2023, but he was dissatisfied with his overall effort, and the Broncos star vowed to be better in 2024.

“I’ve got a lot to prove,” Surtain said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson in June 2024. “Last season wasn’t the year I wanted to have, so I’m just looking to have a better year. Looking to do what I do best.

“I feel like last year I wasn’t on top of the things that I’m really good at. Some of my technique wasn’t up to par like I wanted it to be. Last year was a good year, but I know how much potential, how much greatness I have in me. That’s just the main thing. Being able to fulfill that potential.”

If Surtain delivers again, his deal will most likely no longer favor the Broncos.