Broncos Secure Zach Allen with Massive 4-Year, $102 Million Deal

Who is Zach Allen? From Cardinal to Defensive Pillar

• Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round in 2019, Zach Allen quickly made a name

  for himself as a high-effort, versatile defensive end.

• He joined Denver in March 2023 on a three-year, $45.75 million contract and immediately

  became a key component in coordinator Vance Joseph’s scheme.

• In the 2024 season, Allen delivered a career-best 8.5 sacks, recorded 15 tackles for loss,

  and tallied 40 quarterback hits—a rare feat for an interior lineman. His overall production

  earned him a spot on the AP Second-Team.

The Deal: Structure and Strategic Implications

• The four-year extension—with an average annual value just over $25 million—solidifies Allen's status among the top-paid defensive linemen in the NFL. This comes on the heels of Courtland Sutton’s own four-year, $92 million deal signed earlier in the week.

• With $69.5 million guaranteed, Allen now heads into 2026 under full team control through 2029—ensuring stability for Denver's defense during his prime.

• The Broncos' front office prioritized locking down their core as seen with Sutton, Allen, and Pat Surtain II—building around homegrown defensive talent that forms the backbone of their team.

Context & Comparison

• Defensive tackle extensions in this range are rare, especially with $69.5M guaranteed. Comparable contracts include Christian Wilkins and other top-tier interior linemen earning $22M–$24M per year—though Allen’s deal reflects his immediate impact and mileage potential in his late 20s.

• Remarkably durable, Allen’s 40 quarterback hits in a season put him in team elite company—few non-elite interior linemen reach that level without hardware like sacks or pressures.

What This Means for the Broncos

Defensive Continuity

With Allen signed, Sutton extended, and Pat Surtain II locked through 2029, Denver is cementing its plan to build from the back end—starting with the spine of its defense.

Signal to the Locker Room

Just days after Sutton’s extension, Allen's signing sends a clear message to other key contributors—like Nik Bonitto—that organizational loyalty and performance will be rewarded.

Salary Cap Strategy

Allen’s contract structure mirrors previous Broncos deals—preserving cap flexibility while rewarding performance. The front office continues balancing long-term commitment with financial pragmatism

Forward Outlook

Allen himself enters the prime window of a defensive lineman’s career at age 27, and Denver now controls his rights throughout those years. Analysts expect Nik Bonitto to be the next big negotiation this offseason, following Allen’s lead in defending the pass.

The broader picture: the Broncos are doubling down on building a defensive identity around playmaking, leadership, and retention of All-Pro-level performers.

Final Take

Zach Allen’s massive four-year, $102 million deal isn’t just about numbers—it’s a statement. It reinforces Denver’s vision to dominate with a defense rooted in elite playmakers and ironclad core continuity. For Allen, it’s validation of a fierce, high-effort two-year turnaround to All-Pro status. For the Broncos, it’s another piece placed in a rebuild that’s roaring with momentum.

In the NFL world, where defensive tackle contracts remain rare at this level, Denver's move locks in stability, flexibility, and direction.

In short: The Broncos just made their defense stronger—and their future brighter.