When Sean Payton took over as the Denver Broncos’ head coach in 2023, he wasted no time reshaping the organization from top to bottom. With a clear vision for the team's future, Payton made significant changes, including roster overhauls, strategic investments, and tough decisions that left no one untouchable.
Two key principles defined Payton’s approach during his first and second offseasons: bolster the offensive line and show no hesitation in parting ways with big names or long-tenured players. His aggressive moves in free agency underscored this philosophy. In 2023, the Broncos secured marquee offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers almost immediately. At the same time, Payton and general manager George Paton initiated a wave of cuts, letting go of familiar faces such as kicker Brandon McManus, guard Dalton Risner, safety Justin Simmons, quarterback Russell Wilson, and receiver Jerry Jeudy.
However, one player’s fate remained uncertain for much of this period—veteran left tackle Garett Bolles. As a 2017 first-round draft pick, Bolles occupied a premium position and had consistently delivered strong performances. Yet, he found himself in a precarious spot, watching as teammates were either released or rewarded with contract extensions. Bolles seemed stuck between the two extremes: not quite indispensable, but not expendable either.
As Bolles approached the end of his contract, he faced the possibility of entering free agency for the first time in his career. But his persistence paid off. On Thursday, the Broncos made their stance clear, signing Bolles to a four-year extension worth $82 million, with $42 million guaranteed. The deal secures his place in Denver through the 2028 season, officially labeling him a "foundational player."
“I had to prove myself,” Bolles admitted during a press conference announcing the extension. “It was a new coaching staff, and I knew Coach Payton had specific expectations and schemes. I had to adjust over the years.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “It always takes a little bit for people to love me, but I trust the process. The good Lord had a plan for me, and it was to be here in Denver.”
Bolles’ path to this point wasn’t without its challenges. The Broncos could have extended his contract earlier in the year or restructured it to soften his $20 million cap hit. Instead, they opted to let him play out the final season before free agency. Negotiations gained momentum after Denver’s Week 13 victory over Cleveland, a game in which Bolles once again dominated All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett.
“My agent kept me in the loop, but I knew I had to deliver on the field,” Bolles shared. “And I did.”
By doing so, Bolles not only earned his extension but also positioned himself for something rare in the NFL: the opportunity to spend his entire career with one franchise. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Bolles said. “I could have tested free agency, maybe earned more money. But for me, it’s not about money; it’s about legacy. I want to leave a lasting impact here in Denver.”
The announcement of Bolles’ extension was met with enthusiasm. After Thursday’s practice, the team huddled together as the news was shared, sparking cheers and applause. “I’m so happy for GB and his family,” said McGlinchey, Denver’s right tackle. “It’s well deserved. You’ve seen his growth under this staff and the steps he’s taken to become the player he is today. And he got rewarded for it.”
Bolles’ extension also solidifies the Broncos’ offensive line, a group that now has all but center Luke Wattenberg under contract through at least 2026. This stability marks a significant shift for the team, which has struggled with consistency on the front line in recent years.
“I haven’t had consistency here,” Bolles noted. “It’s been new coach, new offensive line coach, new left guard, new quarterback—just constant change. You can’t win games like that. Coach Payton understands that. He knows it starts with the offensive line, and the more consistency you have up front, the better you play.”
The numbers back up Denver’s improvement. Bolles ranks seventh and McGlinchey 11th among tackles in ESPN’s pass-block win rate. Meanwhile, Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, and Powers all rank in the top 11 for interior linemen. As a unit, the Broncos’ offensive line leads the league in pass-block win rate and is ranked fifth in run-blocking efficiency. This is precisely the foundation Payton envisioned when he arrived: a team built from the trenches outward.
Bolles’ resilience has been a defining feature of his career. From overcoming early struggles to solidifying his place as a cornerstone of the Broncos’ offense, he has continually silenced doubters. “I’ve never been the guy who had it easy,” Bolles said. “My whole life, I’ve had to prove people wrong. That’s what drives me. It’s what makes me successful.”
As the Broncos prepare for the next chapter, Bolles stands as a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of belief. His journey from uncertainty to becoming a “Bronco for life” is a story that will resonate with fans and teammates alike. And for Bolles, the work is far from over. “I’m just getting started,” he said. “There’s so much more I want to achieve, and I’m excited to do it here in Denver.”
With Bolles locked in, the Broncos’ offensive line is poised to continue its upward trajectory, providing the stability and strength needed to compete at the highest level. For Denver, it’s not just about building a team—it’s about building a legacy. And Bolles is ready to lead the charge.
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