BREAKING: Broncos’ $68 Million NFL All-Pro Makes Bold Statement on Future
It’s almost certain that we’re witnessing one of the worst periods in Denver Broncos history, dating back to their start in the AFL in 1960. Heading into 2024, the team has missed the playoffs for eight straight seasons and hasn’t had a winning record since 2016.
Despite this, a few players have managed to stand out, including offensive tackle Garett Bolles, who is in the final year of his 4-year, $68 million contract extension.
Bolles, now 32 and in his eighth season, told The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson that he feels his career is far from over, whether that continues in Denver or elsewhere.
“I take pride in staying healthy,” Bolles said. “My mind and body feel great, and I feel younger than my age suggests. I believe I can keep playing for many more years.”
Bolles reached a milestone with his 100th career start for the Broncos during their season opener on September 8, a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bolles Has Been Model of Consistency for Broncos
Garett Bolles has been with the Broncos since they selected him 20th overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Utah. He earned NFL All-Pro honors in 2020 and overcame a season-ending injury in 2022 (after just five games) to start all 17 games in 2023, playing every offensive snap.
Before the 2024 season, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder emphasized that the Broncos’ top priority should be re-signing Bolles to a long-term deal.
“Bolles has been a solid left tackle for Denver over the past seven years, but he’s entering a contract year and approaching his mid-30s,” Holder wrote. “While that’s usually when players start to decline, the Broncos must weigh extending the 2020 second-team All-Pro, especially with a young quarterback like Bo Nix on the roster.”
Broncos Projected to Take OT in 2025 NFL Draft
It would make sense for the Broncos to seek a long-term solution to protect quarterback Bo Nix’s blind side. In CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso’s latest mock draft, he predicts the Broncos will select Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks with the 7th overall pick in 2025.
Banks made an immediate impact as a true freshman at Texas, securing the starting spot before the Longhorns’ 2022 season opener. He has since started 27 consecutive games, becoming a two-time All-Big 12 selection and earning All-American honors in 2023.
Heading into the 2024 season, Banks was named to the Associated Press Preseason All-American Team and was on the Lombardi Award watch list. He also played a crucial role in helping Texas reach the College Football Playoff after the 2023 season.
“Banks’ season-long Pro Football Focus (PFF) run-blocking grade improved from 64.9 as a freshman to 70.0 (an average grade) as a sophomore,” noted 247Sports’ Jeff Howe. “Still, Banks said at SEC Media Days in July that he hasn’t reached his full potential yet and is working every day to get there.”