Tag: Quinn Meinerz

Broncos QB Bo Nix declines Pro Bowl nod due to minor procedure

Broncos QB Bo Nix turned down an invitation to the Pro Bowl to undergo a pre-planned minor procedure.

When Drake Maye and Russell Wilson were added to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster on Tuesday as replacements, Denver Broncos fans quickly wondered why quarterback Bo Nix didn’t get in above them.

It turns out Nix was invited to the Pro Bowl as a fourth alternate in the AFC, but he turned down the offer due to a minor procedure, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

The Klis story says it was a “routine and minor, cleanup procedure,” but his source did not reveal which part of Nix’s body received the treatment. Nix did play through three transverse process fractures last season, but Klis reports that the pre-planned procedure was not related to the back injury.

Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud were all unavailable or opted out of the Pro Bowl, so Nix was next in line. After Nix opted out, Joe Burrow is now the AFC’s top QB left with Wilson and Maye added to the squad behind him.

Nix is the second Bronco to decline an alternate nod, joining guard Quinn Meinerz. After being invited as a first alternate, Meinerz turned it down because he did not want to participate as a replacement lineman.

The AFC squad will be coached by Peyton Manning in skills competitions on Jan. 30 (ESPN) and a flag football game on Feb. 2 (ESPN/ABC).

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Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz declines being added to Pro Bowl

Broncos first-alternate guard Quinn Meinerz has declined being added to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster as a replacement.

The Belly isn’t going to Orlando, of his own choice.

Quinn Meinerz, the Denver Broncos‘ first-alternate guard, was set to be added to the AFC’s Pro Bowl roster this week as a replacement player, but he “respectfully declined,” according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. This will presumably still count as a Pro Bowl nod on Mienerz’s resume even though he is not set to participate in the all-star festivities.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, so guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith have dropped out of the all-star game to focus on preparing for Super Bowl LIX. Meinerz was first in line to be added to the Pro Bowl as a first-alternate guard, but he turned it down.

Meinerz (6-3, 320 pounds) received the third-best grade (87.8) among guards from Pro Football Focus in 2024. He was also named a first-team All-Pro.

Meinerz would have joined cornerback Pat Surtain, pass rusher Nik Bonitto and returner Marvin Mims as Denver’s four representatives at the Pro Bowl. The AFC squad will be coached by Peyton Manning in skills competitions on Thursday, Jan. 30 and a flag football game on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The skills competitions will be televised on ESPN and the flag football game will be televised on both ESPN and ABC.

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Sean Payton gives positive outlook on Quinn Meinerz’s Pro Bowl snub

Quinn Meinerz was snubbed by Pro Bowl voters this season, but Broncos coach Sean Payton believes they will make up for it down the road.

Despite being one of the best guards in football and earning first-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press in 2024, Denver Broncos lineman Quinn Meinerz was not voted to the Pro Bowl.

Earlier this month, Broncos coach Sean Payton suggested there would be a positive long-term outlook for Meinerz after the Pro Bowl snub.

“Here’s what happens: I’ve told Quinn this,” Payton said on Jan. 3. “I said the same thing to Jahri Evans. Jahri’s up for the Hall of Fame this year, he’s a finalist. [He was] an elite guard — elite — and he didn’t make it Year 2 — I’m not sure what year it was.

“I called him in, and I said, ‘You’re going to get slighted a year or two in the early part of your career, and then you’re going to have two that you really shouldn’t have gotten in that you get on the back end.’ The same thing will happen with Quinn.”

Evans went on to earn five All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowl selections during his time with the New Orleans Saints. A Super Bowl champion and a member of the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, Evans is now a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Meinerz is a first-alternate for this year’s Pro Bowl, and he’s still only 26 years old. Payton believes the guard will have a long career ahead of him with many Pro Bowl selections in the future.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 31-7 loss to Bills

QB Bo Nix (85.2) did his part, but the Broncos need to add playmakers on offense. View more of the team’s PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL playoffs, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst from the Wild Card game below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • QB Bo Nix: 85.2
  • OT Garett Bolles: 79.6
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 77.1
  • P Riley Dixon: 73.1
  • C Luke Wattenberg: 69.3

Nix did his part, but it’s clear that Denver needs to add playmakers around him. Dixon’s fake punt landed him among the top offensive players. G Ben Powers (68.7) receiving the sixth-best grade on offense.

Best Defensive Players 

  • DL D.J. Jones: 79.4
  • DL Zach Allen: 77.2
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 76.4
  • CB Ja’Quan McMillian: 67.0
  • DB Devon Key: 60.0

Jones is scheduled to become a free agent, so interior defensive line could quietly emerge as a key position of need for the Broncos in 2025.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • WR Devaughn Vele: 34.9
  • OT Mike McGlinchey: 47.8
  • WR Marvin Mims: 50.8
  • TE Lucas Krull: 51.6
  • WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey: 52.3

Denver’s front office needs to add a dynamic receiver and a pass-catching tight end this spring. Nix needs help.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • LB Drew Sanders: 27.1
  • LB Justin Strnad: 28.1
  • DB P.J. Locke: 28.4
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 32.7
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 37.4

On defense, the Broncos will need at least one starting inside linebacker and a starting-caliber safety to push or replace Locke across from Brandon Jones.

Special Teams 

  • ST Adam Trautman: 74.4
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 63.6
  • R Marvin Mims: 59.5
  • K Wil Lutz: 48.9 (FG) 60.0 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 64.5

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz just triggered a big incentive

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz just earned an extra $1.5 million after being named a 2024 All-Pro.

It pays to make the Associated Press All-Pro team.

After being named a first-team All-Pro on Friday, Denver Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz has triggered salary escalators for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons, according to multiple reports. Meinerz is now set to earn an extra $500,000 in each of those three seasons.

So his All-Pro nod this year earned him an extra $1.5 million down the road. And if Meinerz earns more All-Pro nods in future seasons, he’ll earn additional incentives.

Meinerz received a league-high 22 first-team votes at guard, plus eight second-team votes. Meinerz was also named a first-alternate for the 2025 Pro Bowl. The 26-year-old lineman is widely considered one of the top guards in the league.

Meinerz was one of five Broncos players who earned All-Pro honors this season. Five other Denver players also received votes: left tackle Garett Bolles (nine votes), fullback Michael Burton (six), safety Brandon Jones (five), long snapper Mitchell Fraboni (four) and wide receiver Courtland Sutton (one).

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5 Broncos players named AP All-Pros following 2024 season

Congrats to Broncos CB Pat Surtain, G Quinn Meinerz, PR Marvin Mims, OLB Nik Bonitto and DL Zach Allen for earning 2024 All-Pro honors!

The best Denver Broncos season since 2015 continues to receive accolades.

A total of five Broncos players have been named to the 2024 Associated Press All-Pro team, including three first-team players.

Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain, right guard Quinn Meinerz and punt returner Marvin Mims were named first-team All-Pros following the 2024 campaign.

Additionally, Denver edge defender Nik Bonitto and interior defensive lineman Zach Allen received second-team All-Pro recognition from the AP.

This marks the most All-Pros the Broncos have had in a single season since 1996, and five other players also received All-Pro votes.

Surtain is the heavy favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award after allowing just 306 passing yards this season.

Meinerz earned a 87.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus this season, third-best among NFL guards.

Mims led the NFL with 15.7 yards per punt return in 2024, becoming the first Bronco to lead the league in that category since Rick Upchurch (16.1 in 1983).

Bonitto ranked third in the NFL with 13.5 sacks this season and he scored a pair of touchdowns, one pick-six and one fumble-six.

Allen totaled 40 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks in 2024. He also ranked first among IDL with 75 pressures this season, according to PFF.

Surtain, Bonitto and Mims were previously named Pro Bowl starters. Allen and Meinerz are alternates for this year’s Pro Bowl. Surtain and Mims also made the NFLPA All-Pro team following the 2024 season.

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Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz delivered massive block vs. Chiefs (watch it here)

This is one of the best Quinn Meinerz blocks of the season!

During a blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Denver Broncos star guard Quinn Meinerz delivered a massive pancake block to a helpless defensive back.

Meinerz started from his right guard position and pulled to the right to serve as a lead blocker for running back Jaleel McLaughlin on a run play. After an initial push knocked safety Nazeeh Johnson off balance, Meinerz finished the job by effortlessly tossing Johnson to the ground.

In a season full of pancake blocks for Meinerz, this one might be the best of the 2024 campaign:

Former NFL center Jeff Saturday highlighted the block during an episode of ESPN’s “Get Up” program this week:

Pro Football Focus gave Meinerz a 87.8 overall grade this season, third-best among guards. His pressure allowed rate (3.6%) was the best among right guards in 2024. Meinerz was named a first alternate for the 2025 Pro Bowl, and more accolades should be on the way.

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Broncos PFF grades: Best, worst players from 38-0 win over Chiefs

Broncos QB Bo Nix (90.3) had a huge game against the Chiefs. View more of the team’s PFF grades here.

Following the Denver Broncos‘ 38-0 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Pro Football Focus has released grades for each player’s Week 18 performance.

PFF grades players on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale. Check out the best and worst of Week 18 below.

Best Offensive Players 

  • QB Bo Nix: 90.3
  • G Quinn Meinerz: 87.3
  • WR Courtland Sutton: 83.7
  • WR Marvin Mims: 77.2
  • WR Devaughn Vele: 73.3

A brilliant record-setting performance from Nix and a strong showing from a trio of the team’s receivers. Denver’s offense is hot going into the playoffs.

Best Defensive Players 

  • OLB Dondrea Tillman: 88.4
  • OLB Nik Bonitto: 87.3
  • DL John Franklin-Myers: 81.4
  • LB Zach Cunningham: 78.1
  • OLB Jonah Elliss: 72.1

Tillman and Elliss were excellent backup rotational pass rushers this season with the two players combining to total 10 sacks behind starters Bonitto (13.5 sacks) and Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks). The Broncos’ outside linebacker room is in great shape going into 2025.

Worst Offensive Players 

  • OL Alex Palczewski: 47.7
  • TE Lucas Krull: 50.0
  • RB Jaleel McLaughlin: 54.5
  • OL Alex Forsyth: 55.6
  • FB Michael Burton: 59.2

Palczewski and Forysth both had a small sample size of nine snaps and PFF apparently did not like their performances. TE, meanwhile, remains a position of need.

Worst Defensive Players 

  • DL D.J. Jones: 29.9
  • DL Jordan Jackson: 54.5
  • DL Malcolm Roach: 55.8
  • DB Brandon Jones: 58.2
  • LB Drew Sanders: 58.2

The Chiefs only managed 98 net yards of offense, including just 27 rushing yards, so it’s curious to see the defensive line graded so harshly. KC was 1-of-9 on third down and only had the ball for 18:11 compared to Denver’s 41:49.

Special Teams 

  • ST Michael Burton: 80.6
  • LS Mitchell Fraboni: 64.3
  • R Marvin Mims: 61.6
  • K Wil Lutz: 65.9 (FG) 56.9 (KO)
  • P Riley Dixon: 59.2

You can view grades for every player on the paid version of PFF’s website.

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7 Broncos players were snubbed by Pro Bowl voters

Zach Allen and Quinn Meinerz headline the list of Broncos players who were snubbed by Pro Bowl voters.

The NFL announced 2025 Pro Bowl rosters on Thursday and three Denver Broncos players have made the AFC’s squad. An additional eight players were named Pro Bowl alternates, but two of them should have been locks for the all-star game and five others deserved strong consideration.

Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen and guard Quinn Meinerz should have been considered easy choices for the Pro Bowl. Instead, Allen is a fourth alternate and Meinerz is a first alternate.

Denver left tackle Garett Bolles is a third alternate, but wide receiver Courtland Sutton did not even make the alternate list despite finishing third among AFC wide receivers in fan votes (players and coaches accounted for two-thirds of the voting).

Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, special teams ace Tremon Smith and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers were also overlooked for alternate consideration.

1. Zach Allen has recorded 73 pressures, 8.5 sacks (tied for second among AFC interior defensive linemen), 39 QB hits, 34 hurries, 15 tackles behind the line, one safety and one pass breakup this season.

2. Quinn Meinerz delivers big pancake blocks on a near-weekly basis and his 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fifth among NFL guards.

3. Garett Bolles was credited with allowing two sacks this season and his 88.8 pass-blocking grade on PFF ranks fifth in the NFL among offensive tackles.

4. Courtland Sutton‘s 983 receiving yards rank seventh among AFC receivers and his seven touchdowns are also tied for seventh. His 53 first downs on receptions rank fifth among receivers in the conference.

5. Jonathon Cooper‘s 9.5 sacks this year rank ninth in the AFC and 12th overall. He has also totaled 57 pressures, 36 hurries, 19 QB hits, 10 tackles behind the line, one forced fumble and one pass breakup this season.

6. Tremon Smith has been a special teams ace in 2024, helping the Broncos pin opponents deep in their own territory on punts. Smith has played 82% of the team’s special teams snaps and PFF has given him a 71.2 ST grade.

7. John Franklin-Myers has been a disruptive player for Denver this fall, recording six sacks, 49 pressures, 33 hurries and 16 QB hits. His 82.4 pass-rush rate on PFF ranks fourth among interior defensive linemen.

Bonus: Punter Riley Dixon was busy this season with the third-most punts (75) in the NFL. His 3,509 yards ranked second in the AFC and fourth overall. Dixon’s net average of 42.2 yards per punt ranked seventh in the AFC and 11th in the NFL. His 32 kicks downed inside the 20-yard line ranked third in the conference and fourth overall.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

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8 Broncos (including Bo Nix) named alternates for 2025 Pro Bowl

Bo Nix is among eight Broncos players who were named alternates for the 2025 Pro Bowl.

The Denver Broncos had three players elected to the 2025 Pro Bowl, the NFL announced Thursday.

In addition to those players, eight other Broncos players were named alternates for the all-star game.

Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz (first alternate), long snapper Mitch Fraboni (first), kicker Wil Lutz (third), tackle Garett Bolles (third), fullback Mike Burton (fourth), defensive lineman Zach Allen (fourth), quarterback Bo Nix (fourth) and safety Brandon Jones (fifth) were named Pro Bowl alternates. They will be candidates to join the Pro Bowl roster if other players drop out.

1. Quinn Meinerz delivers big pancake blocks on a near-weekly basis and his 86.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus ranks fifth among NFL guards.

2. Mitchell Fraboni was named a PFF second-team All-Pro last season and he had another impressive campaign in 2024. He totaled five tackles on punt coverage after snapping to Dixon.

3. Wil Lutz converted 30 field goals this season, which ranked sixth in the AFC and seventh overall. His 90.9% field goal rate ranked fifth among qualified kickers in the AFC and he was one of nine full-time kickers to go 100% on extra point attempts this fall. Lutz was a perfect 11-of-11 on field goal attempts between 40-49 yards, the best mark at that range this season.

4. Garett Bolles was credited with allowing two sacks this season and his 88.8 pass-blocking grade on PFF ranks fifth in the NFL among offensive tackles.

5. Michael Burton is the No. 1-ranked fullback on PFF this season with an overall grade of 66.8 and a pass-blocking grade of 75.8. Burton is used primarily as a blocker, but he has also picked up six first downs and scored two touchdowns with six carries and 10 receptions this season.

6. Zach Allen has recorded 73 pressures, 8.5 sacks (tied for second among AFC interior defensive linemen), 39 QB hits, 34 hurries, 15 tackles behind the line, one safety and one pass breakup this season.

7. Bo Nix‘s 30 total touchdowns rank fourth in the AFC this season, only trailing Joe Burrow (44), Lamar Jackson (43) and Josh Allen (41). His long of 93 yards ranks third in the NFL and his 24 sacks are eighth-fewest among the league’s 32 quarterbacks.

8. Brandon Jones has totaled three interceptions this fall, tied for fourth-most in the AFC. His 114 tackles are a team-high in Denver. Jones also broke up 10 passes, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in 2024.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will be held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Feb. 2. The NFC defeated the AFC 64-59 last season.

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