Broncos’ Patrick Surtain Reacts to Becoming Highest-Paid DB in NFL History

The Denver Broncos have signed cornerback Patrick Surtain II to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapport. The deal includes $77.5 million guaranteed, and makes Surtain the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.

“It’s a huge burden off my shoulders,” Surtain told the media on Wednesday. “I’m honestly just very relieved from it. Just to be able to be signed and seal that deal.”

Surtain added: “It’s lifechanging, honestly, to be able to get this deal done so early in my career … to be able to have that deal done is a blessing.”

Surtain has surpassed Green Bay Packers corner Jaire Alexander as the highest-paid cornerback with his $24 million per year average. Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million deal with the Packers in 2022, and makes an average of $21 million per year. He also passes Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who makes an average of $21.025 million per year.

Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell ($20.25 million per year) and Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward ($20.1 million per year) round out the top-five highest-paid defensive backs, per Over the Cap.

“We’d spent some time talking about it,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters Wednesday. “We felt real good, both sides, about the timing and went ahead and did it. It’s securing a real young talented that’s at a position that’s hard to find.”

Surtain has emerged as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks since the Broncos made him the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Coming out of Alabama, Surtain was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and a College Football Playoff National Champion in 2020.

Since entering the NFL, Surtain has accumulated 187 total tackles, 36 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and seven interceptions, including 69 total tackles, 12 pass deflections, and one interception in 2023. Surtain was a First-Team All-Pro in 2022, and is a two-time Pro Bowler.

In addition to earning a new contract, Surtain was also named one of the Broncos’ six team captains Wednesday. Surtain, quarterback Bo Nix, wide receiver Courtland Sutton, kicker Will Lutz, inside linebacker Alex Singleton, and offensive guard Quinn Meinerz were all named captains for the team.

“Being a captain for this team means a lot,” Surtain said. “It shows how much this organization believes in me, this team believes in me. I don’t take that for granted. I’m going to give it everything I got on the field this year.”

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