NFL teams have until May 2nd to exercise or decline the 5th-year options for the 1st-round picks from the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos appear to have made their decision regarding their 1st-round pick.
The Denver Broncos have decided on the 5th-year option of their elite cornerback
According to NFL Trade Rumors, Denver plans on exercising Patrick Surtain II’s 5th-year option before the deadline. The option will be fully guaranteed at $19.8 million for the 2025 season.
Denver drafted Surtain 9th overall
Denver drafted Patrick Surtain II 9th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Surtain had an incredible rookie season, recording 58 tackles, four interceptions, one pick-six, and 14 pass deflections. He allowed 49 receptions on 96 targets for 545 yards, three touchdowns, and a 61.3 passer rating.
Surtain earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his second season, recording 60 tackles, two interceptions, ten pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He allowed 45 receptions on 77 targets for 468 yards, four touchdowns, and an 82.6 passer rating.
Surtain earned his second Pro Bowl in his third season, recording 69 tackles, one interception, and 12 pass deflections. He allowed 54 receptions on 91 targets for 660 yards, three touchdowns, and an 88.2 passer rating.
Exercising his 5th-year option is the logical decision.
Surtain needs help
Patrick Surtain II needs help next season, as the pass defense allowed the 11th-most passing yards in 2023.
The position they need the most along the secondary is an outside cornerback. Damarri Mathis struggled earlier in the season and lost the starting job to Fabian Moreau. Moreau did a decent job in relief of Mathis, but they need an upgrade, someone who can be reliable on the opposite side of Surtain.
They can address the position by acquiring one through a trade, free agency (Note: they are $16 million over the cap), or the draft.
Which route will the Denver Broncos choose?
For More Content:
Follow me on Twitter/X @JacksonLoschko. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and be updated on the latest in CFB/NFL, click here.
