Amid the construction of their new 205,000-square-foot sports complex, the Denver Broncos continue to strengthen their squad and meet their goals. Just six days after finalizing the contract extension with receiver Courtland Sutton, the Broncos have reached a four-year, $102 million deal with defensive end Zach Allen, according to sources close to the team. The Allen agreement, which will come into effect in 2026, includes 69.5 million guaranteed dollars and will extend until the 2029 season, just like Sutton’s. The Broncos announced the signing of Allen’s extension without revealing the financial terms. Allen was about to enter the final year of the three-year, $45.75 million contract he signed with Denver in 2023. The final year of that agreement, which includes a base salary of $12.74 million, will remain in effect, as Allen and his representatives agreed to a true extension.
In the world of defensive line rotation, Allen is an unusual high-volume player. Last season, he played an astonishing 89% of the Broncos’ defensive snaps, being named second-team All-Pro, after having played 81% of the defensive snaps in 2023. This resilience and versatility, as he plays both as a wing and as a tackle in some defensive formations for the Broncos, has been constantly praised by coach Sean Payton.The fact that we were able to pull this off the way we did, compared to other situations in the league, is a testament to what we are building.
Zach Allen
The Broncos and Allen’s representatives had been in conversations about an extension at various points during the offseason, as well as since the start of training camp. Allen and his representatives were hoping for a new deal given his level of play in his two years with the Broncos. Allen had career highs with 40 quarterback knockdowns and 8.5 sacks last season, while the Broncos set a franchise record with 63 sacks. His 61 tackles last season were also a career best. With the Allen and Sutton deals closed, the Broncos’ biggest potential contract question is outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. Bonitto was also named a second-team All-Pro last season, when he led the team with 13.5 sacks and is in the final year of his rookie contract. Since he was a second-round pick in 2022, Bonitto is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March.I think it’s a strength. Zach has that stamina and that cardio, where he’s in great shape. It’s difficult to play on the offensive and defensive line, especially on the defensive line, many snaps like that. And it’s one of his strengths and his versatility.
Sean Payton
