It’s nearly certain that we’re witnessing one of the lowest points in Denver Broncos history since the team joined the AFL in 1960. As they head into 2024, the Broncos have missed the playoffs for eight straight years and haven’t posted a winning record since 2016.
Despite this challenging period, a few standout players have continued to excel. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles is one such player, entering the final year of a four-year, $68 million contract extension.
In a recent interview with The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, Bolles, who is 32 and in his eighth NFL season, expressed that he believes his career is far from over. He remains optimistic about his health and longevity, whether with the Broncos or another team.
Bolles achieved his 100th career start with the Broncos during the 2024 season opener, a 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 8.
Bolles’ Consistency for the Broncos
He earned All-Pro honors in 2020 and, after recovering from a season-ending injury in 2022, started all 17 games for the Broncos in 2023, playing every offensive snap.
Before this season, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested that re-signing Bolles to a long-term contract should be the Broncos’ top priority. “Bolles has been a dependable left tackle for Denver over the past seven years, but with him approaching his mid-30s and in a contract year, the team should consider extending him, especially with their young quarterback, Bo Nix,” Holder wrote.
Broncos Expected to Draft OT in 2025
Looking ahead, it makes sense for the Broncos to seek a long-term solution for protecting Nix’s blind side. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso’s latest mock draft predicts the Broncos will select Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks with the 7th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Banks, a standout since his freshman year at Texas, has started 27 consecutive games and earned All-Big 12 and All-American honors.
“Banks’ run-blocking grade improved from 64.9 as a freshman to 70.0 as a sophomore,” wrote 247Sports’ Jeff Howe. “Despite this progress, Banks believes he hasn’t yet reached his full potential and is working towards that every day.”
