**Broncos Star Nik Bonitto Told to “Bet on Himself” Amid Contract Talks — A Defining Moment for the Rising Edge Rusher**
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As the Denver Broncos prepare for a defining 2025 NFL season, one of their most exciting young defenders is facing a challenge that has little to do with what happens on the field—and everything to do with how he values himself.
**Nik Bonitto**, the talented edge rusher and breakout performer of the 2024 season, has entered a critical juncture in his NFL career: he’s due for a new contract. And while the Broncos front office has expressed interest in retaining the 25-year-old standout, sources say that talks have stalled—and now, **Bonitto has been advised by those close to him to “bet on himself.”**
It’s a phrase that’s become more than just a cliché in professional sports. For Bonitto, it’s a mantra, a mindset, and perhaps the only way forward.
> “Nik knows his worth,” a league source close to the situation told \[Outlet]. “He’s not afraid to play this season out and prove again why he’s one of the top young pass rushers in the game.”
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### **A Season That Changed Everything**
Bonitto, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, spent his first year adjusting to the professional level. But by 2023 and especially 2024, he became **one of the Broncos’ most disruptive defensive weapons**, notching **10.5 sacks**, **three forced fumbles**, and **a team-leading 45 quarterback pressures** in just 15 games.
His speed off the edge, high motor, and improved discipline against the run have earned him praise from both teammates and analysts.
> “He’s got that twitch, that bend, that first step you can’t teach,” said Broncos head coach **Sean Payton**. “He’s grown tremendously since he got here.”
Bonitto’s play helped solidify a Broncos defense that weathered injuries and inconsistencies throughout the year. And while **Patrick Surtain II** remains the franchise’s defensive cornerstone, **Bonitto’s value has skyrocketed** in the eyes of fans and league observers alike.
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### **The Business Side: Where Things Stand**
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Bonitto is set to earn just under **\$2 million** in base salary in 2025—a figure well below market value for a pass rusher with double-digit sacks and upward trajectory.
Negotiations with the Broncos reportedly began earlier this offseason but have been “slow and cautious” from the front office’s side. According to team insiders, Denver is hesitant to extend a premium deal before seeing another full season of elite production.
> “It’s not a matter of liking Bonitto—they love him,” said an AFC executive. “But the team wants one more season of proof before committing top-10 edge rusher money.”
Bonitto’s camp, however, sees things differently. With a historic rise in edge rusher salaries (see: **Brian Burns**, **Montez Sweat**, **Josh Allen**), waiting too long could cost Denver more in the long run—or worse, risk losing Bonitto in free agency.
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### **“Betting on Himself”: What That Means**
For Nik Bonitto, betting on himself means **not settling** for a below-market deal, even if it comes with short-term security. It means stepping onto the field in 2025 with the understanding that every snap, every sack, every quarterback hurry builds his case—**not just for a payday, but for respect**.
> “It’s not just about money,” said a source familiar with Bonitto’s mindset. “It’s about showing that he belongs in that elite tier. That he’s not just a product of the scheme. He’s a game-changer.”
In many ways, this approach mirrors the decisions made by players like **Lamar Jackson** and **Dak Prescott**, who played out contract years and eventually earned massive long-term deals.
Bonitto appears willing to walk that path.
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### **Locker Room Support and Leadership**
Inside the Broncos locker room, Bonitto’s bet on himself has not gone unnoticed. Teammates view him as a leader—quiet but focused, and someone who lets his play do the talking.
> “Nik’s a dog. Period,” said linebacker **Alex Singleton**. “Every time we needed a big play, he was there. If the team’s smart, they’ll lock him in.”
Star cornerback **Patrick Surtain II** added:
> “He’s earned everything that’s coming to him. And whatever happens, we have his back.”
Bonitto has also embraced the mentor role, helping younger pass rushers like **Jonathon Cooper** and **Baron Browning** develop under defensive coordinator **Vance Joseph’s** system.
> “It’s not just about getting sacks anymore,” Bonitto said after a Week 15 win. “It’s about helping build a culture here.”
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### **Broncos’ Cap Space and Front Office Strategy**
The Broncos have roughly **\$52 million in projected cap space for 2026**, meaning they have flexibility to get a deal done. But after heavy spending on quarterback contracts and offensive line upgrades, **General Manager George Paton** is walking a tightrope.
Paton must weigh several long-term priorities: keeping Surtain, addressing the offensive line, securing a franchise quarterback, and paying defensive stars like Bonitto and Cooper.
> “The challenge is not about liking Nik,” Paton said in a recent press conference. “It’s about timing and building a roster that can sustain success. We have ongoing conversations and respect everything he brings.”
But with every passing week, it becomes more likely that Bonitto will play out the 2025 season without a new deal.
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### **Comparing the Market: What Is Bonitto Worth?**
To gauge Bonitto’s value, look at recent edge rusher contracts:
* **Brian Burns (Giants):** 5 years, \$141M
* **Josh Allen (Jaguars):** 5 years, \$150M
* **Montez Sweat (Bears):** 4 years, \$98M
* **Rashan Gary (Packers):** 4 years, \$96M
While Bonitto’s resume isn’t yet as stacked as some of these players, a strong 2025 campaign could place him **firmly in the \$22–25 million per year range**. And unlike many of his peers, he’s still entering his prime.
> “He’s young, productive, and only getting better,” said former NFL GM **Mike Tannenbaum**. “If he stays healthy and gets 12+ sacks, he’s going to break the bank.”
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### **Risk vs. Reward: The Gamble of Playing It Out**
Of course, betting on yourself carries risk. One injury or slump could lower Bonitto’s market value significantly. But sources close to the player say he’s **physically and mentally prepared** for the challenge.
> “He’s never been afraid to work,” said a former Oklahoma coach. “He’s betting on himself because he’s already put in the work that backs it up.”
And for Bonitto, this isn’t about greed—**it’s about value**.
> “It’s not about chasing the biggest contract. It’s about being compensated for what I bring, plain and simple,” Bonitto reportedly told teammates.
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### **Fan Reaction: Denver Rallies Behind Their Star**
Among fans, Bonitto’s decision to hold out for a better deal is generating support. Broncos Nation has seen him blossom from a rotational player into a franchise cornerstone—and many believe he deserves to be paid like one.
Social media has erupted with hashtags like **#PayBonitto** and **#KeepTheRushAlive**, while fans have flooded team pages urging the front office to make the deal.
> “We can’t afford to lose talent like this,” one fan wrote. “Lock him up before another team does.”
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### **What’s Next: Eyes on the 2025 Season**
As training camp approaches, Bonitto is expected to report with the rest of the team. There’s been no public holdout, no trade demand—just quiet confidence and determination to **let his play do the talking**.
> “Every time he steps on that field, he’s writing his own contract,” one agent said. “And if Denver doesn’t pay him, someone else absolutely will.”
Whether the Broncos extend him mid-season, apply the franchise tag in 2026, or lose him to free agency, one thing is clear: **Nik Bonitto is betting big—and he just might win big, too.**
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### **Final Thought: A Defining Year**
The 2025 season won’t just be another campaign for Nik Bonitto—it’s his **contract year**, his statement year, and perhaps the defining moment in a career that is just getting started.
> “All I’ve ever asked for is a shot,” Bonitto said. “Now I’ve got it. I’m not afraid to go earn it.”
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