The Denver Broncos made a splash on the eve of the NFL season. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II signed a four-year extension with the Broncos for an eye-opening $96 million.
The extension also guarantees Surtain $77.5 million for the course of the contract.
The former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round, ninth overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.
During his time with the Crimson Tide, he earned praise as a shutdown cover corner. With a solid ability to not only blanket his receiver in coverage but also had the instincts to know when and how to disrupt the passing lanes and cause pass breakups.
During his time in Tuscaloosa, 2018-2020, Surtain recorded 117 tackles, four interceptions, and 27 pass deflections.
Upon his arrival in the NFL, the Broncos cornerback quickly earned his stripes guarding some of the league's best wide receivers. At 6'2" and 202 pounds, Surtain has the athletic build and the fluidity in his movement to cover large areas of the field and keep pace with any receiver.
During his time with Denver, he has started in 49 of 50 career games and had seven interceptions and 36 pass deflections. He's also registered 187 tackles. He also earned Pro Bowl honors in two of his first three seasons and was named an All-Pro in 2022.
The contract jumps Surtain to the top of the list for highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL with an annual value of $24 million. Previously, the Packers' Jaire Alexander had the top spot with an annual value of $21 million. The $77.5 million in guaranteed money is also the most for a defensive back.
For the Broncos, it ensures that they have one of the league's top corners through 2029. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and a pass-heavy league, minimizing the effectiveness on part of the field is a huge advantage.
The Broncos and Surtain begin the 2024 season on September 8 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks at 4 pm Eastern. The matchup of Surtain and DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett will be a fun one to watch
