Nik Bonitto enters his fourth season with the Denver Broncos, looking to make a significant impact during his contract year. Previously a standout at the University of Oklahoma, Bonitto earned honors such as AP third-team All-American and second-team All-Big 12 in 2021. However, his rookie season in the NFL was underwhelming, totaling just 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks over 15 games. With a solid college background, there is optimism that Bonitto can turn things around and deliver the performance expected of a second-round draft pick.

Nik Bonitto led the Denver Broncos' formidable defense in 2024, showcasing a significant leap in performance. With 13.5 sacks, he ranked third in the NFL, behind renowned pass rushers Miles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson. His impressive season earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a second-team All-Pro selection, following a notable increase from 1.5 sacks in 2022 and 8 in 2023. The Broncos' defense allowed just 18.3 points per game, cementing its status as one of the league's best.

As training camps approach, several NFL stars face uncertain futures with their teams due to contract negotiations. Among those at the forefront is Trey Smith, the guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, who is expected to secure a lucrative contract before his current deal expires. Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, meanwhile, is entering a pivotal contract year, hoping a new quarterback will rejuvenate his performance after a series of injuries. The Buffalo Bills' James Cook is also seeking an extension, but discussions have been slow, with conflicting reports about the team's intentions.

On the defensive side, Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' standout pass rusher, is pushing for a long-term deal after an impressive performance. Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys, having previously discussed contract terms with owner Jerry Jones, appears to be at a standstill as both sides are yet to close gaps in their negotiations. Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton, having led his team in targets, is also in talks for a new deal, while edge rusher Nik Bonitto aims to secure a contract reflecting his rising star status. With many teams needing to balance cap space and player demands, the coming weeks will be critical.

Von Miller remains adamant about continuing his NFL career, though he anticipates not returning to the Denver Broncos, where he spent the first nine years of his journey. Having just completed three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Miller acknowledges the team's depth at the edge rusher position with standout players like Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto, asserting that the Broncos no longer require his veteran presence. He humorously noted his unwillingness to contribute on special teams at age 36, hinting at a career transition.

Despite his impending free agency, Miller expresses confidence in his ability to perform, claiming he can still rush the passer effectively. Fond memories of Denver linger as he reflects on his time with the Broncos, underscoring the mutual respect he shares with the franchise. During a recent charity event, he helped distribute glasses to children in the community, reinforcing his commitment to the area even as he looks towards his next opportunity in the league.

The Denver Broncos have updated their depth chart for outside linebackers (OLB) following the selection of Alabama's Que Robinson in the fourth round of the NFL draft. While Robinson is expected to compete for a rotational role, his background as a four-core special teams player suggests he may spend more time contributing as a special teams asset under coordinator Darren Rizzi. The Broncos return their top four pass rushers, making it a challenge for new players to crack into the established rotation.

The projected OLB depth chart lists Jonathon Cooper at OLB1, followed by Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson at OLB5. Andrew Farmer remains a probable practice squad candidate as the team anticipates carrying five OLBs on the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.