Denver Broncos General Manager George Paton said during the 2024 NFL Combine that they plan to exercise their fifth-year option on cornerback Patrick Surtain II. His option will be a one-year, fully guaranteed salary worth $19,802,000.

The former Alabama standout is eligible for the option because the Broncos selected him in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the Broncos have until May 4 to exercise the option officially.

Using the fifth year allows the Broncos to have Surtain II for at least two more years. He will play the 2024 season under the final year of his $20.9 million rookie scale contract, earning him a $1,055,000 base salary and a $2,463,565 roster bonus.

However, he has outplayed his contract value-wise. He is among the league’s best cornerbacks, earning two Pro Bowl selections. Surtain was a 2022 First Team All-Pro member, finishing that season with 60 tackles, ten passes defended, and two interceptions.

More importantly, he missed only one game in three NFL seasons. But despite his prowess in shutting down opposing receivers, he hasn’t experienced a winning record since joining the Broncos. Denver went 7-10 in his rookie season, 5-12 in 2022, and 8-9 last year.

But as the Broncos exercise Surtain’s fifth-year option, it also buys them time to negotiate his contract extension. Another Pro Bowl or All-Pro season gives him the leverage to command a top-dollar salary among cornerbacks.

Denzel Ward has the highest contract among cornerbacks at five years, $100.5 million. However, Jaire Alexander has the most expensive annual average ($21 million), while Jalen Ramsey has the highest total cash ($25.5 million).

-Lance Fernandez