The previous third-round choose agreed to a four-year deal value $80M; $45M will probably be assured to the Division III product. Meinerz, who has develop into one of many NFL’s higher guards over the previous two seasons, is now signed by the 2028 season. This eclipses Garett Bolles‘ deal for probably the most profitable pact handed to an O-lineman in Broncos historical past.
Earlier this offseason, we talked about Meinerz as an extension candidate. The Broncos can have some extra respiratory room starting in 2026, when the Russell Wilson lifeless cash is off the books, and Meinerz will probably be paired with Bo Nix‘s rookie contract.
Whereas proper deal with Mike McGlinchey is locked in by not less than 2025, Bolles is enjoying on an expiring contract. Left guard Ben Powers‘ four-year deal additionally pays out its ensures this season. Meinerz now sits as the highest funding alongside Denver’s O-line, turning into the NFL’s fifth $20M-per-year guard.
Meinerz’s deal follows Quenton Nelson, Chris Lindstrom, Landon Dickerson and Robert Hunt within the $20M-AAV membership at this more and more beneficial place. Though Meinerz has but to be chosen for a Professional Bowl, the inside mauler — identified at one level for his “The Stomach” alias — has been one of many top-rated guards over the previous two seasons.
Whereas GM George Paton made some memorably unhealthy selections in 2022 — the Wilson commerce/extension, the Nathaniel Hackett rent — his 2021 draft class has panned out so far to assist maintain the staff afloat.
Meinerz joins Patrick Surtain because the anchors from that group, although the Broncos have just a few different contributors from Paton’s first providing as a GM. Professional Soccer Focus graded Meinerz as a top-five guard in 2022 and slotted him third amongst guards final season. The superior metrics web site positioned Meinerz, 25, because the NFL’s greatest run-blocking guard in 2023.
Sean Payton was not current for Meinerz’s arrival, however the second-year Broncos boss has lengthy positioned a premium on inside O-line success. Payton invested closely in inside blockers to assist defend Drew Brees; present Broncos O-line coach Zach Strief was a part of that effort.
Jahri Evans turned a pillar for the Saints, whereas the staff additionally used first-round picks to accumulate Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz. Erik McCoy, who has develop into one of many NFL’s high facilities, arrived through second-round choose through the finish of Payton’s New Orleans run.
