The Denver Broncos are making sure their star player stays happy. The team has given star cornerback Pat Surtain II a seven-figure pay bump, adding millions to his current contract. 

On June 3, ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the story on social media. According to Schefter’s Instagram post, Surtain’s agent, Tory Dandy, negotiated a deal that gives the cornerback a $5 million raise for the upcoming season. 

“The Broncos are giving CB Pat Surtain a $5 million raise this year, per his agent Tory Dandy," Schefter reported. "He has a chance to make another $5M next year if he makes All-Pro or Pro Bowl this year.”

The Denver Broncos selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft. He has proved himself in Denver. Over the past five years, he became a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. Surtain's best season came in 2024 when he racked up 132 yards with 45 tackles and 11 passes defended.

At 26, he has also become an important presence in the development of younger Broncos defensive backs, including 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron and nickel corner Ja’Quan McMillian. All these led the Broncos to trust him with a raise.

It was a clear signal of intent from Denver, suggesting they are committed to building and sustaining their defensive identity. After all, everything is built around players like Surtain.

This pay bump comes at an interesting time. Surtain is entering the very first year of the massive four-year, $96 million contract extension he signed back in 2024. When he originally signed that deal, it made him the highest-paid cornerback in the entire league. 

However, as other teams across the NFL started giving out even bigger contracts to their own defensive backs, the Broncos stepped up quickly. When Surtain signed, his $24 million annual average was the highest. But over the past two seasons, cornerbacks like Trent McDuffie grabbed a deal worth $31 million per year.

Known for completely locking down the league's best wide receivers, his stat sheet shows 12 interceptions, 59 passes defended, and 279 tackles so far in his spectacular career. 

Pat Surtain Wants His Title Back For The 2026 Season

Surtain is ready to be named the NFL’s best defensive player again. He won the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award in 2024. However, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett won it in 2023 and took it back in 2025.

Now, Surtain wants to win it back in 2026.

"Why not?” Surtain said when asked about competing with Garrett for the trophy. “Shoot. Let’s just keep going, me and him back and forth.” 

It will not be easy for Surtain to win. He plays cornerback, a position that rarely wins the DPOY award because, unlike defensive linemen or linebackers, they are not involved in nearly every snap and cannot directly impact the quarterback.

Meanwhile, Garrett is still a powerhouse. He was recently traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where he will lead a very strong defense.

Even though the challenge is big, Surtain is healthy and highly motivated. He is aiming for a massive 2026 season to prove he is still the most dominant defender in football.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar