Mile High Report
Last season with the Denver Broncos, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto embarked on a breakout campaign. It was one of the biggest storylines and highlights for the franchise who finally made the postseason after nearly a decade drought.
There is absolutely no doubt the Broncos’ defense was a big reason for the team’s overall turnaround. Setting a franchise record and leading the National Football League with 63 sacks, Vance Joseph’s aggressive defense routinely caused havoc for opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines. Numerous players played a key role in that, but the former Oklahoma Sooners’ standout certainly stood out above the rest. Moreover, he developed into one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.
With 13.5 sacks and a penchant for game-changing plays, Bonitto’s standout performance earned him a trip to the Pro-Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. For his efforts, he was ranked as the 38th best player in the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025 list. So far, he is the third player on the Broncos to make an appearance following quarterback Bo Nix and defensive lineman Zach Allen.
This past Saturday in Denver’s first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, the fourth-year pro picked up where he left off last year. In limited action, he was sent after Mac Jones five times and notched two sacks and registered four quarterback hurries on just five pass rushing snaps. That’s wildly efficient.
While it may just be the preseason, it certainly looks like he is poised to have another great season in 2025. After all, Bonitto has a lot to play for—including a potential market setting deal that could make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid edge rushers. I’m optimistic he and the franchise can agree to terms on an extension as soon as possible. If he can continue to develop and become better at setting the edge and making an impact against the run, he will have a shot at becoming one of the most feared and dynamic players in the league.
