GOOD NEWs: Garett Bolles, Broncos Reportedly Agree to 4-Year, $82M Contract Extension

GOOD NEWs: Garett Bolles, Broncos Reportedly Agree to 4-Year, $82M Contract Extension

Amid a strong season for the Denver Broncos, Garett Bolles has decided to extend his time with the organization rather than test free agency during the offseason.

Bolles announced on X that he has agreed to a new deal with the Broncos that is reportedly for four years. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Bolles’ new deal is worth $82 million “with upside to $86 million.” He will earn $42 guaranteed.

Per Over the Cap, Bolles’ new deal will rank fourth among all left tackles in total value. His $20.5 million annual salary will rank sixth, sandwiched between Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles ($22 million) and Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills ($20.02 million).

Bolles has had a tremendous career turnaround after it initially appeared he was going to be a first-round bust. He was the No. 20 overall pick by the Broncos in the 2017 draft and immediately started.

Despite being the full-time starter at left tackle for his first three seasons, the Broncos decided to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract in May 2020.

Bolles appeared to be headed toward free agency after his fourth season, but improved play during the year led the Broncos to give him a four-year, $68 million extension in November 2020.

The Utah alum was named to the All-Pro second team in 2020. He did have injury issues in 2021 and, particularly, in 2022 when he suffered a broken leg in Week 5 that ended his season.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Bolles has started all 30 games for the Broncos. He is one of three tackles who ranks in the top 10 in ESPN’s pass-block and run-block win rates this season, along with Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles and Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Given the success of the Broncos offense this season under head coach Sean Payton, locking up Bolles to ensure he will continue to protect the blindside for Bo Nix seems like an easy call.

Bolles has generally been among the most durable offensive linemen in the NFL during his eight-year career. That’s an extremely valuable thing to have for a starting left tackle who will turn 33 in May