Nik Bonitto is preparing for what he expects to be an even bigger 2026 season. Fresh off wrist surgery and with the Broncos' pass rush at its strongest, the two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher posted 14 sacks in 2025, his fourth straight season topping his personal best. Denver set a single-season franchise record with 68 sacks.

Production dipped late last year when double-teams spiked from 11.4% to 19.5%, dropping his sack total from 9.5 to 4.5 over the final seven games. Bonitto studied tape of Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, and Micah Parsons to learn how elite edge rushers counter heavy attention. "I kind of just go around and watch the guys around the league who kind of have to deal with that same treatment," he said.

Bonitto's trajectory mirrors the Broncos' defensive rise. He questioned his role after a 1.5-sack rookie year in 2022, but he's now a Pro Bowler and 2024 second-team All-Pro. Denver kept its defensive core through free agency, adding Tyler Onyedim and Jonah Elliss as depth pieces. Bonitto has no doubt the roster is ready.