Patrick Surtain becomes NFL's highest-paid DB after agreeing to $96-million extension with Broncos

The Denver Broncos and star cornerback Patrick Surtain II have agreed to terms on a four-year, $96 million extension with $77.5 million guaranteed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday.
With the new deal, Surtain becomes the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. Surtain, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, continues the trend of standouts from his draft class getting paid. Surtain, 24, is the fifth top-10 pick of his draft class to sign a contract extension, with Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase potentially up next.
In terms of annual cornerback salaries, Surtain’s deal ($24 million per) places him above the Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander, the Atlanta Falcons’ A.J. Terrell, the Cleveland Browns’ Denzel Ward and the Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey.
When it comes to corners around the league, you’ll be hard pressed to find many — if any — better than Surtain. In 50 games across three seasons, Surtain has compiled 187 tackles (150 solo), seven interceptions and 36 passes defended. Surtain earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2022 and made his second Pro Bowl this past season.
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Patrick Surtain extended long-term ahead of fourth NFL season
Denver picked up his $19.8 million fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through the 2025 season. He carries a cap hit of $6.6 million in 2024.
Head coach Sean Payton spoke about his on-field expectations for Surtain this season, asking him to simply “be himself.”
“I want him to be himself,” Payton said in July. “I think he has always been a guy that leads on the field with his performance. Maybe not as vocal as others, so I’m not looking for a change in that regard really. That being said, more ball production. And there are a number of other things that I think he has as goals for himself. But I think from a leadership standpoint, that will take place on its own.”