Tag: left tackle

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles wants to play until age 38 or 39

“I have so many more years to prove myself … I want to play as long as I can,” Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles said.

After serving on a LDS Church mission right out of high school, left tackle Garett Bolles’ pro football career got a later start than a typical rookie’s.

Following his two-year mission, Bolles spent two seasons at the junior college level before one season at Utah. He then entered the NFL as a 25-year-old rookie in 2017.

Eight years later, Bolles is now set to turn 33 in May ahead of his ninth season in the NFL. Despite his age, Bolles recently received a four-year contract extension that will keep him with the Denver Broncos through the 2028 season.

Bolles will be 36 in the final year of his extension, but at the rate he’s going, the left tackle could very well still be playing at a high level in four years from now.

“I take really good care of my body,” Bolles said after signing an extension in December. “I thrive on that. I make sure that I’m doing everything I can to make sure that I can play on Sundays. I feel like I’ve been one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the league. I don’t miss games and I think it just speaks for how I eat and how I train. Not only that but the team that I put together outside this building to put me in the best positions to come in this building with the mindset of dominating. That’s just my mindset of doing whatever I can just to dominate and to put myself in positions to help this team win.

“I love this team more than anyone. You can probably ask anyone. The Denver Broncos, to put on that uniform and to play in front of our amazing fans and to be here for so long, it’s just amazing. To do that at a high level with my age — I have so many more years to prove myself, to be better and to continue to stack seasons after seasons. I want to play as long as I can.

“I’m here for 12 years and hopefully I have two or three more years after that. I’m just going to enjoy this time of having an amazing time. I’ve been through a lot. You know how it is. The last eight years haven’t been great. This year it just puts a different pep to my step of just winning. [I just] want to win and bring this state what it deserves, [which is] a championship.”

If Bolles does play two or three years beyond his extension, that would put him at 38 or 39. It’s certainly been done before — Jason Peters played in the NFL just last fall and he turned 43 in January.

Outside of a broken leg that prematurely ended his 2022 season five games into the year, Bolles has had great health with the Broncos. He started 59-straight games before missing a game for the first time in his career with an illness during the 2020 season. Since recovering from his broken leg, Bolles has started 17 games in each of the last two seasons.

Yes, he’s turning 33 this spring, but Bolles still has plenty of gas left in the tank to remain Denver’s left tackle going forward.

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Chiefs HC Andy Reid’s evaluation of rookie offensive lineman in Week 18: ‘Experience for him’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s evaluation of rookie offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia in Week 18: ‘Experience for him’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid isn’t taking the blowout loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 18 too seriously since he either sat or limited key players. The game meant nothing standings-wise for the team, so he utilized the contest as experience for many of the young players on the roster, including rookie Kingsley Suamataia.

“We’ll see. I’ll look at it (game tape) and see how he (Kingsley Suamataia) did.” Reid said during his postgame press conference on Sunday. “Nothing jumped out at me that said negative on it, so, but I’ve got to look at the look at the tape, and I’ll get with Coach (Andy) Heck on that. It’s good to get him in there, though he’s one of the guys who’s good to get the experience for him, for sure.”

Suamataia began the season as the starting left tackle before being benched towards the end of the Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s played sparingly in relief since he had multiple inactive designations throughout the season.

Veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries returned to the lineup for Sunday’s game and figures to be the starter for the upcoming divisional-round postseason game.

Chiefs OL Joe Thuney could potentially start at left tackle through the postseason

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney could potentially start at left tackle through the postseason | @EdEastonJr

The injury to Kansas City Chiefs veteran left tackle D.J. Humphries briefly left a hole in the offensive line until All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was recently inserted. The temporary move has worked efficiently over the past few weeks, with Thuney holding up against some of the best pass rushers in the league.

During his weekly Monday Zoom press conference, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid described his plans for starting left tackle in the postseason that could potentially keep Thuney in the role regardless of Humphries’ status.

“Yeah, I’m gonna play it kind of by ear as we go here. I’ve been happy with (Mike) Caliendo and how he’s played. I’ve been happy with Joe and how he’s played,” said Reid. “I appreciate him jumping in and keeping the level of play up, and I’m curious to see, you know, where D.J.’s (Humphries) is and if he can do anything. I just want to see where we’re at, and I’ll evaluate that as we go down the stretch here.”

According to Reid, Humphries is progressing through the hamstring injury rehab, and his performance in practice could affect his game plan before the divisional round.

Garett Bolles’ contract extension is a good deal for the Broncos

Garett Bolles’ extension with the Broncos is a team-friendly deal that becomes easy to exit in 2026.

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles broke the news about his contract extension on Dec. 12. The deal was initially reported as a four-year, $82 million extension that could reach up to $86 million with incentives, worth an average of $20.5 million per season.

“The way he’s played — he’s available,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said on Dec. 13. “He’s someone who’s in incredible shape. I didn’t realize he was [32]. George [Paton] and I were talking — I just never paid attention to that. He does a great job at taking care of his body and then besides that — the most important thing — is he’s one of the premier pass blockers in our league.

“He stays in front of his guy. Regardless of — there are times where we have to help elsewhere and that’s hard to find. So he’s excited about it [and] we are as well. It’s much deserved and you guys know how important I feel like that position group is when you’re budling a team.”

Instead of testing the open market in 2025, Bolles took a team-friendly extension with hopes of finishing his career in Denver. Now that the details of the contract are known, it’s an even better deal for the Broncos than initially known.

Bolles has $23,735,000 fully guaranteed, according to OverTheCap.com, with all of his guaranteed salary coming in 2024 and 2025. His signing bonus will be prorated as $800,000 salary cap hits in 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.

The Broncos have team options in each of the next four seasons and Bolles can earn $765,000 through per-game roster bonuses each season. After the 2025 season, none of his salary is guaranteed for the rest of his contract.

So, in theory, Denver could move on from a 34-year-old Bolles in 2026 by taking on a $2.4 million “dead money” cap hit with a net savings of more than $6.8 million. The team would save $27 million if he’s let go in 2027 and $26.88 million in 2028.

It’s essentially a two-year extension for Bolles and it’s easy for the Broncos to get out of it starting in 2026. Here are his cap hits for the next five season, according to OTC:

2025: $5,816,000 ($12.36M lost if cut)
2026: $9,248,000 ($6.84M saved if cut)
2027: $28,683,000 ($27M saved if cut)
2028: $27,683,000 ($$26.88M saved if cut)
2029: $9,770,000 (void year)

Bolles also has void years from 2030-2033, but those should not impact the team’s cap space. If Bolles stays healthy and continues playing at a high level, he’ll be paid well in his final years in Denver. If the veteran tackle declines, the Broncos can move on without much cap trouble. It’s a good situation for Denver.

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Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’

Kansas City #Chiefs OL Joe Thuney comments on position change vs. Cleveland #Browns: ‘Truly was a team effort’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney spoke with reporters Sunday after the 21-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He addressed his surprising start at left tackle instead of his usual guard spot in place of D.J. Humphries.

“It felt good, and my coaches have done a great job preparing this for me all week,” said Thuney. “I have a lot of good guys, tight ends and running backs, around me, so they helped me with calls. Mike [Caliendo] was great at left guard, and it truly was a team effort to win and help be my best at guard.”

Thuney was tasked with slowing down Myles Garrett throughout the game as he held the pass rusher without a sack.

“It was a total team effort to block him. There was a lot of great chips and help from people like Mike [Caliendo],” said Thuney. “He was great in helping me as needed. It was a good team effort with good technique, and I went out there and did the best I could.”

Humphries could return next week for the Houston Texans’ matchup, depending on his hamstring. If Thuney can handle the new role for an extended period, he may not need to rush.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on decision to start Joe Thuney at left tackle: ‘I just felt comfortable’ | @EdEastonJr

The starting left tackle position has been an issue for the Kansas City Chiefs all season as they pursue the top spot in the AFC. The topic took another turn in the Week 15 victory over the Cleveland Browns as a new starter took the spot following the injury to D.J. Humphries.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney over to left tackle on Sunday as he battled with the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett. Mike Caliendo filled in for Thuney at his typical guard spot, leaving Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia on the sidelines.

“I thought Joe (Thuney) – I asked him to play left tackle, and he hasn’t done that since college – got out there and really did a nice job against one of the best defensive ends in the game right now,” said Reid to reporters during his postgame press conference. “Then (Mike) Caliendo, what a great experience that is for him to get out there and see a full game. That’s going to help him down the road and us down the road, so I appreciate it. As far as any changes or any of that, we’ll just see going forward how things go on the offensive line.”

Thuney held up well against Garrett as the Chiefs could limit his pressures during the game to less than his usual production. Reid further explained his decision on Thunrey at left tackle, not his young linemen.

“Well, the injury on D.J. (Humphries), and then Joe (Thuney) had taken a couple of snaps there last week, and I just felt comfortable as a veteran player,” said Reid. “I scouted him as a tackle, knowing he could get out there and battle. He’s been an All-Pro for two other positions, so give him a chance at the tackle spot.”

The Chiefs return to the field on Saturday against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with questions regarding their plans at left tackle, assuming Humphries is healthy enough to play.

Garett Bolles took team-friendly deal to finish career with Broncos

Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles could have earned more had he tested free agency in 2025. “I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” he said.

The Denver Broncos gave left tackle Garett Bolles a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday that will average $20.5 million per year from 2025-2028, making him the sixth-highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.

The deal includes $41.9 million guaranteed, including fully guaranteed pay in 2025 and 2026.

“This is a dream come true,” Bolles said during a press conference on Thursday. “I grew up in this city. I became a man in this city as a football player and as a husband. I get to be here long-term with my family. It means the world to me. I’m just so grateful for the Walton Penner family. What an amazing ownership group we have. Everyone in the ownership group and the love that they have here. The time I got to spend with them and to see them changing this place with new facilities and everything that I get to be a part of now is amazing.

“I love George Paton to death. I think we have one of the best GMs in all of the National Football League. The relationship I have with him and the love I have for him and his family and how grateful I am. I’m grateful for Coach [Sean] Payton and the love I have for him. He came in here — he could’ve let me walk — and he believed in me. This offense fits me and I’m just grateful I get to be a part of [it] and see him turn this around. [Offensive line] Coach [Zach] Strief, I’m so grateful for an offensive line coach that just lets me be myself. It’s a humbling time to be in my family, a place where I’d always thought I’d be. It wasn’t easy. I didn’t start off the way I wanted to start off here, but I get to finish how I want to finish. I get to be a Bronco for life and I’m just very grateful.”

Had he waited until the spring, Bolles undoubtedly could have received more on the open market, but he wanted to stay in Denver, where he hopes to finish his career.

“I just am beyond grateful that my kids get to grow up here, and continue to grow up here and we’re in Denver,” Bolles said. “This is home for us. I don’t want to go anywhere else. I could’ve hit free agency and earned more money or whatever it is. I never cared about money; I cared about a legacy. I think legacy speaks volumes for the type of man [you are], and I wanted to create a legacy here.

The 32-year-old left tackle has allowed just one sack this season, according to Pro Football Focus. His 88.7 pass-bocking grade this year ranks fourth in the NFL. After re-signing the tackle, the Broncos have now shored up Bo Nix’s blindside for the foreseeable future.

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Twitter reacts to Garett Bolles’ $82 million deal with Broncos

The Broncos gave Garett Bolles a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday. Here’s how Twitter/X reacted to the news.

The Denver Broncos signed left tackle Garett Bolles to a four-year, $82 million contract extension on Thursday. Here’s a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the news on Twitter/X.

Bolles, 32, is now under contract through the 2028 season.

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Garett Bolles breaks news of his 4-year contract extension with great video

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles announced his four-year contract extension with a funny video.

Denver Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles has agreed to a four-year contract extension, the offensive lineman announced with a clever video on his social media pages on Thursday.

“Broncos Country, It’s been a great 8 years! Thanks for everything! And … I’m not leaving. The show goes on! GB,” Bolles wrote on social media.

Bolles shared a video with a photo of his face over Leonardo DiCaprio from a classic scene in The Wolf of Wall Street: “I’m not leaving,” DiCaprio says. “I’m not leaving. I’m not leaving! The show goes on!”

After Bolles broke the news, outlets quickly started confirming that the 32-year-old lineman has signed a four-year deal that will keep him in Denver through the 2028 season.

Bolles was picked by the Broncos in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Utah. He struggled early in his career but Bolles has emerged as a top left tackle in recent seasons.

After previously giving contract extensions to cornerback Pat Surtain, guard Quinn Meinerz and pass rusher Jonathon Cooper earlier this year, Denver now has a quartet of key players signed through the duration of quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie contract. The next order of business could be an extension for pass rusher Nik Bonitto, who ranks second in the NFL in sacks this fall.

The four-year deal is worth $82 million and could reach up to $86 million with incentives, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $42 million guaranteed.

Nix’s blindside now has protection secured for the next four seasons.

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Early rankings of Broncos’ needs in 2025 NFL draft

Do you agree with our list of top needs for the Broncos in the 2025 NFL draft?

The Denver Broncos (8-5) still have four regular season games remaining and then a potential playoff run, but it’s never too early to look ahead to the next NFL draft. Today, we’re taking a quick look at our early rankings of the Broncos’ top needs in the 2025 NFL draft.

1. Offensive tackle: This one comes with a caveat because it’s largely dependent on whether or not the Broncos re-sign Garett Bolles in 2025.

2. Tight end: Denver has gotten little production from the tight end this fall and the team could use a playmaker at the position.

3. Running back: Javonte Williams has not returned to his pre-injury form and he’s scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Broncos use an early pick on a RB in April.

4. Wide receiver: Courtland Sutton remains Mr. Reliable, but Denver needs a dynamic receiver to pair with him. Devaughn Vele has the potential to be a very good WR3. Now the Broncos need a top talent.

5. Inside linebacker: Alex Singleton will be 31 years old and coming off a serious injury in 2025. Cody Barton will be a 28-year-old free agent. Even if both are back and starting in 2025, Denver should start planning for the future.

6. Defensive back: The Broncos need more competition and depth at safety, and the team’s cornerback depth is also thin.

7. Defensive line: Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers are both under contract for next season, but D.J. Jones is scheduled to hit free agency. Even if Denver is confident in Malcolm Roach stepping up, the team will still need to add more depth to the defensive line.

Agree or disagree with the rankings? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter: @TheBroncosWire.

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