Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II had a significant day, becoming the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history and earning his first captain title as a professional on Wednesday.
“Signed, sealed, delivered,” Surtain said with a smile after finalizing his four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $77.5 million in guarantees.
Surtain described the contract extension as “a huge burden off my shoulders.”
“I’m honestly just very relieved. Just to be able to sign and seal that deal is a blessing,” Surtain said. “(And) being a captain for this team means a lot. It shows how much this organization believes in me, this team believes in me and I don’t take that for granted.”
With an average of $24 million per year, Surtain surpasses Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($21.025 million) and Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander ($21 million) to become the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.
“It means a lot,” Surtain said. “But at the end of the day, I just focus on doing the best I can do on the field, being the best version of myself each and every day.”
His approach has led him to record 187 tackles, seven interceptions, and 36 pass breakups in his three seasons with the Broncos, who picked him ninth overall from Alabama in the 2021 NFL draft.
Earlier this year, the Broncos picked up their fifth-year option on Surtain, guaranteeing him $19.802 million for 2025. He is set to earn about $3.5 million this season.
The new contract will start in 2026 and keep Surtain with the Broncos through the 2029 season.
The Broncos, who are starting a $175 million renovation of their suburban headquarters this week, could have waited another year to secure Surtain’s services but decided to act now as he enters his fourth season.
“I think both sides felt really good about the timing,” coach Sean Payton said. “We went ahead and did it. It’s securing a real young talented player that is at a position that’s hard to find.”
