In a blockbuster move just before the start of the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos have secured their defensive star Patrick Surtain II for the long haul. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has inked a massive four-year, $96 million extension with the Broncos, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones confirmed the details of the deal, revealing that Surtain’s contract includes a jaw-dropping $77.5 million guaranteed. With an average annual value (AAV) of $24 million, Surtain now tops the previous benchmark set by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander at $21 million per year. The highest-paid safety title currently belongs to Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who signed a lucrative four-year, $84.1 million contract with an AAV of $21.025 million this offseason.
Surtain, following in the footsteps of his father Patrick Surtain who was a standout defensive back in the NFL for 11 seasons, has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. The Pro Bowl selection for the past two seasons was also named a First Team All-Pro in 2022. Notably, Surtain achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Broncos player ever to record 10 or more passes defended in each of his first three NFL seasons since the statistic was first tracked back in 1991.
In the latest rankings by CBS Sports, Surtain was placed as the No. 2 cornerback in the NFL, only behind Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. With his new record-breaking contract, Surtain has set a new target for Gardner in his upcoming negotiations. Gardner even took to social media to react to the news, posting emojis with dollar signs for eyes.
Since entering the NFL, Surtain has consistently showcased his talent as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. With 187 combined tackles, 36 passes defensed, and seven interceptions in just 50 games played, Surtain has proven his worth on the field time and time again. The Broncos have undoubtedly secured a cornerstone of their defense for years to come with this monumental extension for Patrick Surtain II.