The Denver Broncos locked up DT Zach Allen with a $102M extension on Aug 2, 2025. See why his 2024 stats earned the deal and who's next on Sean Payton's list.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Denver Broncos made a massive statement on Saturday, locking down the anchor of their defensive line by signing All-Pro defensive tackle Zach Allen to a colossal four-year, $102 million extension. The deal, which keeps Allen in orange and blue through 2029, solidifies the team's commitment to its defensive core and rewards one of the league's most disruptive interior linemen after a career-best season.
With Allen's $102M deal done, the message is clear: Denver is paying to keep its stars home. Next up? Sack leader Nik Bonitto.
This isn't just a big contract; it's a foundational investment. Allen earned every penny with a dominant 2024 campaign where he was virtually unblockable, racking up 8.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and a staggering 67 pressures—the most of any defensive tackle in the NFL. He played nearly 90% of the defensive snaps, proving to be not just a star player but the ironman engine of the defensive front. This extension ensures the heart of Denver's defense remains intact for the foreseeable future.
The ink was barely dry on Allen's contract when Head Coach Sean Payton turned the spotlight on the team's next priority: Nik Bonitto. Following the recent extension for receiver Courtland Sutton, Payton confirmed that the front office is now focused on securing the team's sack leader. Bonitto, who exploded for 13.5 sacks and earned his own second-team All-Pro nod last season, is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The strategy is clear: identify your core players and pay them before they can even think about hitting the open market.
The energy from the front office moves spilled onto the practice field for Day 8 of training camp. Both Allen and Bonitto were reportedly disruptive forces, particularly during red zone drills where the defense largely dominated the day. While the defense shined, rookie quarterback Bo Nix continued his steady development, taking all the second-team reps and navigating situational football drills. With no significant injuries reported, the team is building momentum and continuity at the perfect time.
With two All-Pro cornerstones in Sutton and Allen locked up long-term, the Broncos' front office has sent a clear message: the time for rebuilding is over. The focus now squarely shifts to Nik Bonitto's extension. Getting that deal done before Week 1 would solidify a fearsome defensive front for years to come and cap off a masterclass in aggressive roster management by Sean Payton and company. The foundation is set; now it's time to build a championship contender on top of it.
