HUGE MASSIVE DECISION: Broncos Make $80 Million Decision on Key Starter

While they debate whether Jarrett Stidham or rookie Bo Nix will start at quarterback, the Denver Broncos invested in keeping him upright and safe by handing one of the NFL’s top young offensive linemen a raise.

According to sources, Quinn Meinerz and the Broncos have agreed on a four-year, $80 million agreement. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the agreement contains $45 million in guarantees.

Meinerz, a third-round choice in the 2021 NFL Draft from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, was entering the final season of his rookie contract, with a $3.36 million base salary due. Denver general manager George Paton decided to sign the 25-year-old before training camp with a contract that ranks him among the league’s highest-paid guards.

Why the Broncos Believe in Quinn Meinerz
Meinerz was taken 98th overall in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos from Wisconsin-Whitewater. With his senior year of college cancelled due to COVID, he worked out in the woods, knocking down trees and doing anything he could to keep in shape. Meinerz soon rose to prominence after being invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He capitalized on his momentum to earn a third-round draft pick from Denver a few months later.

Meinerz received an 83.7 overall rating from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2023, a high honour after only three seasons of play. Meinerz’s grade placed third among NFL guards, trailing only Atlanta Falcons’ Chris Lindstrom (87.7) and Los Angeles Rams’ Kevin Dotson (84.4).

Meinerz has made 39 starts in 45 games over three seasons, and his performance has improved year each year. He started all 17 games at right guard last season, allowing two sacks while dominating opponents in the running game, as indicated by an 88.7 PFF grade in run blocking.

“I thought he had a really good year,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said of Meinerz in June. “I remember when he graduated from college, and when a guy moves to the AFC, you sometimes lose track a little bit. I think he played quite well. He is, without a doubt, a formidable and sticky run blocker. He does a variety of things quite well. I believe he enjoys it. He enjoys the process, which is half the battle. So I like that he’s our right guard.

The Broncos now boast one of the most expensive offensive lines in the NFL, having spent a combined $139 million on right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers, as well as paying Garett Bolles top-ten left tackle money. Regardless of the price, they will need this unit to dominate this season to aid their run game and protect Nix, who will most likely start as a rookie. The squad has invested a lot of money on their offensive line, so perhaps they can provide results this season.