In the midst of a strong season for the Denver Broncos, Garett Bolles decided to extend his time with the organization rather than test free agency this offseason.

Bolles announced on X that he had agreed to a new deal with the Broncos that would be for four years. NFL Network Ian Rapoport reported that Bolles’ new deal was worth $82 million “with upside potential to $86 million.” He will win $42 guaranteed.

By Over the hoodBolles’ new deal will rank fourth among all left tackles in total value. His annual salary of $20.5 million will rank sixth, sandwiched between Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles ($22 million) and Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills ($20.02 million).

Bolles has enjoyed a tremendous career turnaround after it initially looked like he was going to be a first-round bust. He was the Broncos’ No. 20 overall pick in the 2017 draft and started immediately.

Despite being a full-time starter at left tackle his first three seasons, the Broncos decided to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract in May 2020.

Bolles appeared to be headed for free agency after his fourth season, but improvement in play over the course of the year led the Broncos to give him a over four years, $68 million extension in November 2020.

The Utah alum was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. He had injury issues in 2021 and, particularly, in 2022 when he suffered an injury. broken leg during week 5 which ended his season.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Bolles has started all 30 games for the Broncos. He is one of three tackles who ranks in ESPN’s top 10 in pass and block win rate this season, along with Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles and Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Given the success of the Broncos offense this season under head coach Sean Payton, locking up Bolles to ensure he continues to protect Bo Nix’s blind side seems like an easy decision.

Bolles has generally been among the most durable offensive linemen in the NFL during his eight-year career. That’s an extremely valuable thing for a starting left tackle who turns 33 in May.