There had been some rumors over the last few months about the Denver Broncos potentially parting ways with star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. In three short seasons, the Alabama product has cemented his status as one of the best corners in the league.
Now, the Broncos are paying him as such. On Wednesday, it was announced that the two sides agreed to a record-setting extension.
The deal, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, is four years and $96 million. It includes $77.5 million in guarantees, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
That was a title that Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ safety Antoine Winfield Jr. held for a little while with the deal that he signed earlier this offseason. Surtain now holds that crown, and rightfully so.
The highest-paid cornerback before Surtain inked this deal was Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers. The $24 million annual average of the Denver superstar’s deal is now tops in the league as well.
A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, going No. 9 overall, Surtain continues a trend of players in that class getting paid. He is the seventh player to receive an extension from his team when first eligible.
Joining him are Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins, Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions, DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles, Christian Darrishaw of the Los Angeles Chargers and Zaven Collins of the Arizona Cardinals.
The fifth-year option on his rookie deal was picked up earlier this offseason. But now, the Denver Broncos have a core piece of their defense locked up long-term, which should end all trade rumors surrounding him.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here.
Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
