SouthernWorldwide.com – The Denver Broncos have begun their Organized Team Activities (OTAs), marking their first on-field presence since their AFC Championship game loss. However, the spotlight is also on quarterback Bo Nix, who is currently sidelined as he recovers from a second surgical procedure on his right ankle.
Nix was present at the practice, observing from a suite. While his ankle is still in a cast, he was seen throwing some passes, indicating progress in his recovery. Meanwhile, backup quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger were integrating the team’s new offseason acquisition, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, into the offensive schemes.
Coach Sean Payton expressed optimism about Waddle’s integration. He noted that Waddle is a quick learner and possesses instincts, quickness, and the ability to change direction effectively. Waddle, acquired from the Miami Dolphins this spring, is expected to be more actively involved with Nix by the time the Broncos’ minicamp commences in two weeks.
Payton hinted at Nix’s increasing role as the team progresses through its offseason program. He mentioned that Nix has been throwing and that his involvement will expand in the third week of their OTAs. The Broncos were among the last NFL teams to commence on-field drills, having previously conducted workouts indoors.
Before focusing on his connection with Nix, Waddle has been building chemistry with the Broncos’ established No. 1 wide receiver, Courtland Sutton. Sutton spoke highly of Waddle, describing him as a special player with elite speed, acceleration, and a strong understanding of football and the offensive playbook. Sutton also acknowledged Waddle’s impressive run-after-the-catch ability.
Waddle echoed Sutton’s sentiments, envisioning a potent one-two receiving punch for the Broncos. He highlighted Sutton as an elite playmaker whose presence on the other side of the field forces defenses to account for him, which in turn creates opportunities for Waddle.
Despite not yet being fully on the field together, Waddle and Nix have already started to develop a rapport. Waddle described Nix as a competitor who enjoys discussing football and being around his teammates. He sees Nix as a great leader, noting his attentiveness and willingness to communicate and collaborate to ensure they are on the same page.
Raise for Surtain
In other team news, the Broncos have provided star cornerback Pat Surtain II with a $5 million raise for the current season through a contract adjustment. Surtain also has the potential to earn an additional $5 million based on All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections, accolades he has already achieved multiple times.
Payton explained that the contract adjustment reflects Surtain’s elite status at his position and is also influenced by the fluctuating salary cap. The team’s financial flexibility has improved significantly after shedding the record $85 million dead cap hit from Russell Wilson’s release, allowing for such moves.
Payton acknowledged the positive impact of being free from the substantial dead cap money. He credited the young players, coaches, and scouts for contributing to the team’s current financial standing, which allows for strategic roster management.
Surtain, the ninth overall pick in the 2021 draft, has been a significant contributor since joining the Broncos. He has recorded a dozen interceptions and 59 pass breakups in his professional career. He is currently in the first season of a four-year, $96 million extension signed in 2024, which at the time made him the league’s highest-paid cornerback by average annual salary.
However, Surtain has since been surpassed in average annual salary by several other cornerbacks, including Jaycee Horn, Trent McDuffie, Sauce Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., and Jalen Ramsey.
Tough Opening Stretch
The Broncos are facing a challenging start to their season, with their first six games featuring formidable opponents. This demanding schedule begins with an away game against Kansas City, followed by five consecutive matchups against teams that made the playoffs in 2025.
When asked about the difficulty of their opening schedule, Payton humorously dismissed any notion of the league being punitive. He quipped that any perceived retribution happened a long time ago, referencing his suspension during the 2012 NFL season due to his involvement in the New Orleans Saints’ “Bountygate” scandal.
Following their trip to Kansas City, the Broncos will host the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams. They will then travel to face the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Chargers before concluding their challenging initial stretch at home against the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Waddle expressed that this early stretch will provide a clear assessment of the team’s capabilities. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
