Nik Bonitto: Draft| PFF| Stats| Contract| Net Worth

Introduction

Nikolas “Nik” Bonitto has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers, anchoring the Denver Broncos’ defense with explosive playmaking ability. From his Oklahoma roots to his breakout 2024 campaign, Bonitto’s journey is defined by relentless improvement, elite athleticism, and now, a contract that cements his status among the league’s top defenders.

1. Draft Overview

• Draft Year & Position
  Bonitto was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, with the 64th overall pick by the Denver Broncos.

• College Pedigree
  At Oklahoma, he was a four-star recruit and standout pass rusher, earning Under Armour All-American honors and ranking among the top edge prospects nationally.

• Evaluation & Strengths
  Pre-draft evaluations praised his athletic traits—speed, agility, and coverage ability, along with a relentless motor. While undersized for the role and needing additions in strength and move variety, his upside was undeniable.

2. PFF Profile & Metrics

• Pro Football Focus (PFF)
  While PFF-specific numbers weren’t publicly detailed in sources, their coverage tracks player grades, pressure rates, and overall pass-rushing efficiency—metrics where Bonitto has excelled amid his rise.

• Physical Metrics & Rankings
  PlayerProfiler lists Bonitto at 6’3″, 248 lbs, with an elite 4.54s 40-yard dash, 116.8 speed score, and 120.4 burst score, placing him among the top percentiles of edge defenders.

3. NFL Career & Performance Stats

Career Highlights (through 2024 season)

• 2022 (Rookie Year)
  Played 15 games, recorded 6 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Wikipedia

• 2023 Season
  In another 15 games, Bonitto tallied 23 solo tackles, 8 sacks, and his first two defensive scores (I believe an interception and a fumble recovery touchdown).

• Breakout 2024 Season

  • Games: 17

  • Total Tackles: 48 (33 solo, 15 assist),

  • Sacks: 13.5 — first Broncos player to reach double-digit sacks since Von Miller and Bradley Chubb (2018),

  • Big Plays: Returned a Jameis Winston interception 70 yards for a touchdown; added another 50-yard fumble return for a second defensive touchdown;

  • Accolades: Earned first Pro Bowl selection and named AP Second-Team All-Pro; ranked 38th on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2025.

• Career Totals (Through 2024):

  • Tackles: 92

  • Sacks: 23.0

  • Forced Fumbles: 4

  • Fumble Recoveries: 1

  • Pass Deflections: 6

  • Interceptions: 1

  • Defensive Touchdowns: 2

These numbers underline Bonitto’s rapid development from rotational pass rusher to cornerstone of Denver’s defense.

4. Contract & Financials

Rookie Contract (2022–2025)

• Terms: Four-year rookie deal signed May 12, 2022, worth approximately $5.8 million, with about $3.07 million fully guaranteed, including a $1.4 million signing bonus.

• Annual Averages & Earnings: Around $1.45 million APY, with career earnings by start of 2025 at $4.3 million.

• 2025 Salary Cap Charge: Projected at $5.7 million, cash payout around $5.3 million.

New 2025 Extension

• On September 4, 2025, the Broncos officially signed Bonitto to a four-year extension worth up to $120 million, including $70 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in franchise history.

• Pre-extension projections had estimated Bonitto could earn $22M–$25M per year, with guarantees between $50M–$61M, considering his breakout status and comparison to contemporaries like George Karlaftis and Rashan Gary.

• Just weeks before the extension, Bonitto signaled confidence in reaching a deal—asserting it was a question of “when,” not “if.”

5. Net Worth & Valuation

• Net Worth Estimate (2024): Around $5.8 million, per SalarySport.

• OTC Valuation (2024): Estimated at $15.27 million (reflecting his on-field value relative to contract cost).

With his new contract, Bonitto’s wealth and market value are poised to rise significantly in the coming years.

6. Career Summary

Nik Bonitto, a dynamic edge rusher for the Denver Broncos, transitioned from a second-round pick (2022) to an elite defender in just three seasons, culminating in a Pro Bowl nod and All-Pro honors in 2024. Known for his speed and playmaking, he delivered game-changing performances, including two defensive touchdowns and 13.5 sacks. His on-field excellence earned him a landmark four-year, $120M extension—a historic deal for a non-QB in Broncos history. With an estimated net worth nearing $6 million and a OTC valuation of over $15 million, Bonitto exemplifies how impact performance elevates a young player’s financial trajectory in the NFL.