The Denver Broncos extended left tackle Garett Bolles’ contract for four years on Thursday, securing an important player to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
Bolles has been with the Broncos since he was drafted from Utah as the 20th overall pick in 2017. He now has an opportunity to help the Broncos reach the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 win in the 2015 season.
Currently, the Broncos (8-5) hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC and can improve their position with a win against the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) on Sunday.
Bolles had a rough start in Denver but has become a reliable pass protector. So far this season, he’s allowed just one sack and 24 quarterback pressures over 13 starts. His 4.9 percent quarterback pressure rate is the second-lowest among tackles with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps this season, according to NextGen Stats.
With good protection, Nix leads all rookie quarterbacks with 277 completions, 2,842 passing yards, 22 offensive touchdowns, and 17 passing touchdowns.
Bolles earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors in 2020. On social media, he shared, “Broncos Country, It’s been a great 8 years! Thanks for everything! And … I’m not leaving. The show goes on!”
Since 2017, Bolles has allowed the sixth-fewest sacks (36) among tackles with at least 3,100 snaps.
With Bolles’ extension, all five of the Broncos’ starting offensive linemen are now signed through next season. Guard Quinn Meinerz also signed a four-year extension in July.
In addition to Bolles, the Broncos extended cornerback Patrick Surtain II with a four-year, $96 million deal in September, including $77.5 million in guarantees. In November, linebacker Jonathon Cooper also signed a four-year, $60 million extension.
