It looks like the Denver Broncos just had another huge win when it comes to contracts. Denver has stayed ahead of the booming position markets by re-signing key players before the end of their deal, taking a far lesser cap hit than other teams. Case in point, the New England Patriots signed corner Christian Gonzalez to a four-year, $135 million contract
, making him the highest-paid corner in NFL history.The deal bodes well for the Broncos, who signed All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain to a four-year, $96 million extension in 2024. At the time, Surtain was the highest-paid corner in the NFL — a distinction that only lasted two days. In recent years, the corner market has exploded, a trend which likely started with Surtain's deal. Surtain's average
salary of $24 million per season ranks eighth among cornerbacks, according to Spotrac.com.
In order to keep Surtain from feeling like he lost out on a boatload of cash, the Broncos gave Surtain a $5 million raise earlier this year. Surtain can also earn another $5 million raise in 2027 if he is either selected to the Pro Bowl or is named an All-Pro in 2026. That goal seems very much in reach, considering Surtain is just one season removed from being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and is still considered the gold standard of the NFL at his position.
Even after that raise, Surtain's contract is still a bargain compared to the NFL's raising cornerback market.
Gonzalez and Surtain will have a face-to-face competition in early January, when the Broncos and Patriots clash in a rematch of the 2025 AFC Championship game in Week 17.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Even after raise, Pat Surtain’s contract is a huge bargain for Broncos
