Broncos Secure Luke Wattenberg with Million-Dollar Extension
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has reiterated his confidence in the team, and the management has backed this stance with concrete actions. Luke Wattenberg, the center selected in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, is the latest player to secure a contract extension, marking the second in the last week. Sources confirmed that Wattenberg, a starter in the last two seasons, has agreed to a four-year, $48 million extension. Wattenberg, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, joins a growing list of Broncos players who have extended their commitment to the team.- Kicker Wil Lutz recently signed a three-year extension.
- Wide receiver Courtland Sutton, defensive end Zach Allen, and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto also agreed to multi-year extensions before the start of the regular season.
Coach Payton commented that the key focus is not to disrupt the team’s positive dynamic, especially when they are playing well. The Broncos, with a 9-2 record, are currently enjoying an eight-game winning streak, the longest since 2012. Wattenberg, whom Payton described as a “valuable starter,” has shown consistent performance. He took over the starting position last season after the departure of Lloyd Cushenberry III and has started in 24 games in the last two seasons, including the 11 this year. Among the Broncos’ potential unrestricted free agents in March are linebacker Alex Singleton, linebacker Justin Strnad, defensive end John Franklin-Myers, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, running back J.K. Dobbins, and tight end Adam Trautman, all with significant participation in the season.Payton mentioned that Lutz was one of the “several” players the Broncos approached in recent weeks to negotiate contracts.
Sean Payton
