CBS Sport: Broncos mega star agree to a four-year, $96 million contract extension.

In Sean Payton’s second season as head coach, the Denver Broncos, with Bo Nix at center, are ready to start over. The Broncos haven’t overlooked the defensive end of the ball, though.

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, cornerback Patrick Surtain II has agreed to a four-year, $96 million deal extension with Denver. With a guaranteed salary of $77,5 million, Surtain becomes the most paid defensive back in NFL history.

The cornerback, who is now significantly wealthier, played for the Broncos his whole NFL career. He just finished his second consecutive Pro Bowl year in 2023, racking up 69 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and an interception.

Surtain had received his first-ever All-Pro selection the year before. He recorded 60 tackles, two interceptions, and ten pass breakups. Surtain has made 187 tackles, broken up 36 passes, and recorded seven interceptions—taking one to the house—during his full 50 games with the Broncos.

As of right now, Surtain will likely captain Denver’s defense for some time to come. The Broncos, as a team, are coming off a 2023 season in which they allowed 233.6 yards per game in the air, good for 11th place in the league. Being able to stop the best wide receiver on any team is an incredible strength. The Broncos realized how important Surtain is to their chances of winning as they proceed to assemble their team under Sean Payton.

The Broncos weren’t the only team, though. Upon earning his extension, Surtain received congratulations from other elite cornerbacks across the league. Darius Slay of the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins were among those who said it was well earned. Maybe the strongest was Sauce Garner.

Gardner wrote, “My dawg got that baggg,” on the previous Twitter platform X. Five money tongue emojis were included with the post.

It’s entirely up to Patrick Surtain II from now on. He deserves his bag and his place at the top of Denver’s hierarchy. Now that the money side of football is resolved, Surtain can return to work and keep showing why he is among the greatest in the NFL, as the Broncos are prepared for him to do.