The Denver Broncos are gearing one step closer toward extending star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. After picking up his fifth-year option on Tuesday, the Broncos appear focused on having Surtain in their future plans.
Denver Broncos pick up fifth-year option on Patrick Surtain II
In a move that comes as a no-brainer, the Denver Broncos picked up star cornerback Patrick Surtain II’s fifth-year option on Tuesday afternoon, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Surtain’s option is $19.8M and is the first domino move in what will hopefully lead to a multi-year extension. After navigating the tumultuous terrain of this wild offseason, the Broncos will be in a position next league year where they could find themselves sitting on nearly $100M in cap space.
Two of the top priority moves for George Paton and Sean Payton this next year are extending Surtain and Quinn Meinerz, two names who have emerged into some of the league’s most talented younger players.
In Surtain’s first three years in the NFL, he’s been named to two Pro Bowls and has also been selected as an NFLPA First Team choice as voted on by players who play the same position as him and positions he goes against.
He’ll make $3.5M in 2024, according to Spotrac, but will be in line to make $19.8M next year under the fifth year option. That means his overall cap hit for 2025 will be $19.8M, but extending him this season or before next year will create even more financial flexibility for the team while giving Surtain a well-deserved contract.
It’s important in today’s NFL to have premier cornerbacks, and Surtain is consistent in that conversation. Watching Surtain daily in practice, he’s a true technician and still finds ways to master his craft in a game that often plays to the strengths of the offense.
Going into 2024 and beyond, having Surtain eventually locked into a long-term deal is what is best for the Broncos. As much as Denver needs to figure out the quarterback position, losing a player like Surtain at any point would deal a massive blow to the overall talent on the roster.
Broncos fans need to keep an eye on a potential in-season extension for Surtain this year as the team looks to build the nucleus of their roster with younger, talented players.
Surtain is now the cornerstone player for the Denver Broncos and should be extended sooner rather than later.