Nik Bonitto just became the richest non-QB in Broncos history

Denver Broncos linebacker and former Oklahoma Sooner Nik Bonitto signed a historical deal with the Broncos on Thursday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Bonitto signed a new four-year extension worth up to $120 million with $70 million guaranteed. The new deal made Bonitto the highest-paid non-QB in Broncos’ franchise history.

Former Sooner Nik Bonitto signs record deal with Broncos

Bonitto was entering the final year of his rookie contract as a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. After coming off the bench his first two years, Bonitto became a full-time starter last season and broke out as one of the best defenders in the NFL at only 25 years old.

Last season, Bonitto tallied 48 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 13.5 sacks, which was the third-most in the NFL. He was named a Pro Bowler for the first time and was also Second-Team All-Pro. Bonitto also earned the respect of his peers and was voted the 38th-best player in the league in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025.

Bonitto did more than just pressure quarterbacks, too. He also had an interception and intercepted a backward pass, and took both back to the end zone for touchdowns.

Bonitto was a Second- and Third-Team All-American for the Sooners during a time OU struggled defensively under Lincoln Riley. He cracked the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and was a three-year starter before going to the NFL a year early.

The Broncos and Bonitto will kick off their 2025 season against the Tennessee Titans at 3:05 p.m. CT Sunday on FOX.

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