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George Paton, general manager of the Denver Broncos, stated earlier this year that it would be "a no-brainer" to ensure that cornerback Pat Surtain II wore the team's uniform "for a long time." On Wednesday, the Broncos did precisely that as they and Surtain's delegates consented to a record four-year expansion worth $96 million in general with $77.5 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
ESPN was informed by a source that his new contract will begin in 2026 and keep him under contract in Denver until the 2029 season.
Surtain's contract, which averages $24 million per year, is now the highest for defensive backs in the NFL, surpassing that of safety Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ($21.025 million) and Green Cove Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander ($21 million). The $77.5 million ensured in Surtain's agreement is likewise the most for a protective back agreement. He joins guard Quinn Meinerz, a third-round pick in that year, who received a four-year, $80 million extension in July. He is the second member of the Broncos' 2021 draft class to receive an extension this offseason.
The Broncos, including Paton and coach Sean Payton constantly stated a deal would get done for two-time Pro Bowl selection, Surtain. Surtain responded to any inquiries regarding another deal and said "that will take care of itself if I keep doing what I'm supposed to do, keep working on my craft."
He has appeared in every game except one over the course of his first three seasons. In addition to being selected to the first team All-Pro in 2022, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons. He has seven interceptions in his career, including four as a rookie. Despite the fact that opposing quarterbacks frequently ignore him, Surtain has stated that he has his own goal of increasing his "ball production."
The Broncos played the season opener on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Surtain was asked in training camp whether he considered himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, to which he responded, "Of course I'm going to see myself in that regard. I definitely take that role upon my shoulders, for sure, but everybody is going to have their own opinions about it. At the end of the day, I'm just here to play my game and do what's best for the team."
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has said Surtain is "special, very special" and added: "I think it's my responsibility, our responsibility as coaches, to make sure people can't just avoid him and stay away. We have ways, and will have ways, to get Pat involved even when offenses don't want him to be."
Surtain has been perhaps of the best Broncos players, in the event that not exactly ideal, since he showed up as a new kid on the block. He has been an active player all over the field. In each of his three seasons, he has had at least 58 tackles. Last season, he had a career-high 69 tackles, 59 of them solo.
The Broncos following the release of Kareem Jackson late last season as well as Justin Simmons recently, have a makeover in the optional in progress. Additionally, Surtain's position as right cornerback was one of the preseason's most contentious battles. As the preseason ended, it looked as if Riley Moss -- a 2023 draft pick -- had won the job.
"I think the team is poised to do great things," Surtain said last week. "Obviously, we have a young team, but [there's] a lot of hungry guys on the team that's looking forward to that next step."
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