The Denver Broncos exercised the fifth-year option on Pat Surtain II’s contract. The $19.8 million judgment (in 2025) has not reduced trade speculation.

Their move for Zach Wilson appeared to relieve them of the pressure to make a big trade to grab a quarterback in the 2024 draft. However, other stories emerged following the deal, indicating that they will continue their quest.

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes Surtain is a “likely” trade possibility on draft night.

“The Denver Broncos are desperate to find a franchise quarterback in the 2024 draft. On April 23, Kay wrote, “That burning desire could lead them to trade one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks before his rookie contract even expires.” “The allure of Surtain could get a team like the Cardinals … to move down on draft night.”

Surtain signed a four-year, $20.9 million rookie contract. According to Stathead, he is one of nine players who have made at least two Pro Bowl appearances and one All-Pro selection in their first three seasons since 2020.
He is one of only 18 cornerbacks in NFL history to hold that honor.

“Giving up a 24-year-old who is just entering his prime and projects to have plenty more great years ahead of him isn’t ideal,” Kay said in a statement, “but the Broncos don’t have a clear path forward without an elite quarterback.”

Broncos Willing to Trade ‘King’s Ransom’ for QB

According to Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda, the Broncos may be prepared to put Surtain in a trade package to move up for a quarterback. He identified Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy as the target.
“There’s talk that Sean Payton is ready to give up a king’s ransom to move up and acquire one of the top signal callers available,” Pauline said in an email on April 19. “Once again, there is speculation that the Broncos will offer Patrick Surtain II as part of a deal to trade up for a quarterback.

“Which QB is Payton targeting? I keep being told it’s J.J. McCarthy.”

On April 23, Peyton Manning informed “Stokely and Josh” that the Broncos are “very interested” in McCarthy, and vice versa. He did, however, point out that it was not McCarthy’s control.

All of this lays the stage for a move like the one Pauline and Kay indicate is feasible, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Surtain. However, there is still a gap between where things are with the stud cornerback and the Broncos’ attempt to deal him away in a draft bombshell.

Pauline also mentioned that Oregon’s Bo Nix was the Broncos’ “contingency” plan.

The speculation about who the Broncos would choose mirrors the uncertainties of this time of year. This includes Surtain’s contract. However, 9News’ Mike Klis depicted the scenario differently.
“[Broncos general manager] George Paton told 9News at Combine it would be no-brainer decision [to pick up Surtain’s fifth-year option],” Klis said in a post on X on April 23, 2017. “It’s not uncommon for this type of large one-year salary to eventually be folded into a multiyear extension.”

Surtain was also a key component of the team’s ceremonial unveiling of their new outfits.

Klis cited Courtland Sutton’s jersey being on display at the event on April 22 as a positive indicator despite the player’s contract stalemate.

Surtain has a manageable $6.7 million cap hit this season. A contract extension would certainly significantly reduce Surtain’s 2025 cap hit while ensuring the future for both parties. The Broncos had until May 2 to make their decision.

They retain the franchise tag for three years following the 2025 season.

However, this is not optimal for everyone. That is all the more reason to figure it out sooner rather than later.