Bo Nix’s recent slide hasn’t just changed the conversation around his play. It’s also thrown Denver’s financial planning into uncertainty.
For much of last season, the Broncos were already looking ahead to the end of Nix’s rookie deal, the point where a major extension would usually be waiting in the wings. Before his on-field issues started piling up, the expectation around that next contract had been massive: an average annual value in the $50 million to $60 million range, with some around the league thinking it could climb as high as $70 million. Jeff Legwold of ESPN noted that 13 quarterbacks are already on deals worth at least $50 million per year.
If Nix keeps struggling, the more likely path for Denver would be to pick up his fifth-year option next spring. Legwold pointed to the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers doing that with C.J.
Stroud and Bryce Young, respectively. In Nix’s case, he said that figure would probably land a little over $25 million, tied to his draft slot and the fact that he was picked closer to the middle of the first round than the very top.
What happens after that could depend on the draft board. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper projects seven passers among the top 25 picks next year, and Legwold said it remains “unclear” whether GM George Paton and coach Sean Payton would want to dive into that group.
Denver’s cap picture has other pressure points too. The Broncos have a sizable list of free agents coming up next year, including cornerbacks Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian, safety Brandon Jones, guard Ben Powers, and wide receiver/kick returner Marvin Mims Jr.
The Broncos were also hoping the schedule might give Nix a cleaner runway. They’ve been grinding through a brutal opening stretch, and the Arizona Cardinals looked like a chance for the quarterback to settle in and find his footing again. Instead, Arizona stunned the Los Angeles Rams, and Denver wound up with a shocking 18-16 loss.
Nix’s ankle is another piece of the puzzle. If he’s still working his way through the healing process, as some of the medical reporting suggests, his play could improve gradually as the season moves along.
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Broncos' 4-2 Start Can't Hide One Growing Problem
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Help may be close at hand, at least from inside the building, with rookie Jonah Coleman expected back from injured reserve this week. Denver also has a ticking clock in the background with the trade deadline approaching, and if the rushing numbers do not turn quickly, the front office could be pushed to explore the market for a bigger swing at running back. [Read more 🡒]