The Denver Broncos recently shocked the NFL community by finalizing a trade for quarterback Zach Wilson. The franchise hit the headlines once again on Tuesday as they picked up the fifth-year option on Patrick Surtain II. This decision ensures that Surtain II will remain a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense through at least the 2025 season.
With the fifth-year option now exercised, the cornerback is set to earn an estimated $19.802 million for the 2025 season. The move comes as no surprise to those familiar with Surtain’s impact on the team. Broncos general manager George Paton had previously expressed the organization’s desire to keep Surtain in Denver for the long term.
“We’re all big fans of Pat. We want Pat here for a long time, but I’m not prepared to make any statements on anything moving forward,” Paton said, per CBS Sports.
However, the financial aspect isn’t the only consideration. The Broncos may seek to negotiate a long-term contract with Surtain II in the coming year, potentially making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. This would secure his future with the team and solidify his status as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Exercising Surtain II’s fifth-year option was a logical step in the Broncos long-term strategy. With the veteran anchoring the secondary, the team can confidently build around him as they strive for success in the upcoming seasons.
Patrick Surtain II’s numbers with the Broncos
Patrick Surtain II has emerged as an elite player for the Broncos since his selection in the 2021 draft. With a ninth-overall pick, expectations were high, and he has not disappointed. He started in 16 games in his rookie season, tallying an impressive 58 tackles, four interceptions, and 14 passes defended. Such stellar performance earned him recognition on the 2021 All-Rookie Team by Pro Football Focus and the Pro Football Writers of America.
The 2022 season saw the promising star starting in all 17 games. He amassed 60 tackles, two interceptions along with ten passes defended, and a forced fumble that season. These remarkable contributions earned him Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the first team All-Pro roster. Last season, he became the first player in Broncos history to record double-digit passes defended (14, 10, and 12) in his first three seasons.
Surtain II’s consistency has been remarkable with the Broncos. He missed only one game throughout his NFL career and started in all but one of the Broncos’ matchups over the past two seasons. In 50 career games, he had 49 starts while recording seven interceptions, 36 passes defended, 187 tackles, and one forced fumble.
