The Denver Broncos have shut down rumors about trading linebacker Nik Bonitto ahead of free agency. Insider Benjamin Allbright confirmed the team has not made Bonitto available and has no plans to move him. Denver views the two-time Pro Bowler as a key defensive piece after his strong season that helped the Broncos reach the AFC Championship Game.
Trade rumors can move fast during the NFL offseason, but sometimes the truth arrives just as quickly. That happened this week when speculation around Nik Bonitto began circulating across league circles.
Some reports hinted the Denver Broncos might be willing to listen to offers for their rising defensive star as teams prepare for free agency. The chatter spread rapidly online, leaving many fans wondering if Denver was ready to shake up a defense that helped push the team deep into the playoffs.However, a clear answer soon followed. According to insider Benjamin Allbright, the Broncos have no intention of moving Bonitto.
The message from inside the organization was direct and firm. Denver views the young linebacker as a core piece of its defense and plans to keep him firmly in place as the team prepares for another run at the postseason.
Broncos shut down Nik Bonitto trade rumors while reaffirming defensive plans
The speculation gained traction after a few online rumors suggested Denver might explore deals involving Bonitto or pursue help on offense. Allbright quickly stepped in to clarify the situation and address the rumors directly.
“No, the Broncos have not made Nik Bonitto available and aren’t going to, no they haven’t tried to trade for Achane either. Any other made-up rumors I need to put the bed now?” Allbright wrote.
That response effectively ended the conversation. The Broncos appear fully committed to Bonitto, and it is easy to understand why. Since arriving in Denver as a second round selection in the 2022 draft, Bonitto has steadily grown into one of the defense’s most disruptive players.His breakout season helped the Broncos rise to the top of the AFC standings. The linebacker had 46 tackles, 14 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 28 hits on the quarterback by the end of the year. Those numbers highlighted his ability to pressure quarterbacks and change games from the edge.Denver also showed its long term faith in him earlier when the franchise signed Bonitto to a four year contract extension worth $106 million.
The deal made him the highest paid non quarterback in team history, a clear signal of how important he has become to the roster.Still, the season ended with heartbreak. The Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game but fell short against the New England Patriots led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye.Reflecting on that loss, Bonitto admitted the defeat still lingers.“I mean, obviously, it was really tough,” Bonitto said. “Just knowing how hard we worked to get there.
Just how hard it is to even get to play in an opportunity like that, to be one game away from the Super Bowl.“Obviously, the stuff with Bo kind of hurt us. We were excited for the moment. It’s just one that we felt it just kind of slipped us. But, I know I have a good team going ahead next year. We’ll definitely try to run it back.”For Denver, that belief inside the locker room may matter just as much as any offseason move.
