The Denver Broncos have signed cornerback Patrick Surtain II to a groundbreaking four-year, $96 million deal, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, according to multiple sources on Wednesday. The contract also includes a whopping $77.5 million in guaranteed money.
Surtain’s deal surpasses those of his counterparts, such as Green Bay Packers’ cornerback Jaire Alexander, who earns an average of $21 million annually. It also tops the contract of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who has an average annual value of $21.025 million.
Meanwhile, AJ Terrell of the Atlanta Falcons signed a four-year deal in August with an average of $20.25 million per season.
Last season, former Broncos safety Justin Simmons described Surtain as the “best player” on Denver’s roster. Broncos general manager George Paton emphasized Surtain’s vital importance to the team’s future. “We’re all big fans of Pat,” Paton said in January. “We wish him a long and successful career with the team.”
Drafted as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Patrick Surtain II originally signed a four-year, $20.9 million contract. Earlier this year, the Broncos exercised his fifth-year option, valued at $19.8 million.
At just 24 years old, Patrick Surtain II has already made a significant mark in the NFL. He has been selected for the Pro Bowl twice and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022. In his three seasons, Surtain has played in 50 games, starting in 49 of them, and has recorded 187 tackles, seven interceptions, one touchdown, and 36 passes defensed.
This record-breaking contract solidifies Surtain’s status as a cornerstone of the Broncos’ defense and a key player in their plans for the future.