Denver Broncos Sign Malcom Roach To 3-Year Extension
George Paton and the Denver Broncos have been busy over the last two days, signing two of their key players to multi-year extensions. The first move of the season was locking up center Luke Wattenberg to a four-year contract extension. Paton then turned his attention to the defense, signing Malcom Roach to a multi-year extension.
Broncos Are Making Moves
Malcom Roach is one of the best players on the Broncos’ defensive line and is an integral part of their run defense. Denver ranked at the bottom of the league in run defense in 2023 and improved to the third-best run defense in the NFL last season. In their first eleven games this year, the Broncos are allowing 88.5 rushing yards per game.
Paton quickly turned the defensive line, which was one of the league’s weakest, into an extremely strong unit, setting records every week. Denver has the entire line under contract for multiple seasons in Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, DJ Jones, Jonathan Cooper, and now Malcom Roach.
The defensive line has carried the Broncos all season and hasn’t wavered despite multiple injuries to the secondary and linebacker room. It’s amazing how, without Patrick Surtain, the defense continues to look better and better week in and week out. For the first time this season, Denver will finally be at full strength on defense, and could get multiple starters back on Sunday Night against the Washington Commanders.
What Players Could Be Extended Next?
The biggest name remaining is defensive end John Franklin-Meyers, who was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets on Draft Day in 2024. He has contributed significantly to Denver’s defensive performance. According to the Denver Gazette, Franklin-Meyers stated he has not been offered an extension and expects to become a free agent in March.
“I know my day will come, whether it’s here or somewhere else. That’s not exactly my decision to make (with an extension). … I would say, yeah, there is some disappointment. This is a job. You want to feel valued, you want to feel appreciated. But ultimately, I can’t go sign my own contract. … You show back (at Broncos Park) with a smile on your face, and you do your job, and eventually it’s going to work out.”
Given Franklin-Meyers’ situation and with the Broncos having paid several players throughout the season, the team could soon turn to a younger player like Sai’vion Jones, whom they drafted this past year. Paton has positioned himself well for the next few years, but he needs to be cautious, as the time to pay his franchise quarterback, Bo Nix, will arrive quickly.
