The previous third-round decide agreed to a four-year deal value $80M; $45M will likely be assured to the Division III product. Meinerz, who has grow to be one of many NFL’s higher guards over the previous two seasons, is now signed by the 2028 season. This eclipses Garett Bolles‘ deal for probably the most profitable pact handed to an O-lineman in Broncos historical past.
Earlier this offseason, we talked about Meinerz as an extension candidate. The Broncos can have some extra respiration room starting in 2026, when the Russell Wilson useless cash is off the books, and Meinerz will likely be paired with Bo Nix‘s rookie contract.
Whereas proper deal with Mike McGlinchey is locked in by no less than 2025, Bolles is enjoying on an expiring contract. Left guard Ben Powers‘ four-year deal additionally pays out its ensures this season. Meinerz now sits as the highest funding alongside Denver’s O-line, changing into the NFL’s fifth $20M-per-year guard.
Meinerz’s deal follows Quenton Nelson, Chris Lindstrom, Landon Dickerson and Robert Hunt within the $20M-AAV membership at this more and more invaluable place. Though Meinerz has but to be chosen for a Professional Bowl, the inside mauler — recognized at one level for his “The Stomach” alias — has been one of many top-rated guards over the previous two seasons.
Whereas GM George Paton made some memorably dangerous selections in 2022 — the Wilson commerce/extension, the Nathaniel Hackett rent — his 2021 draft class has panned out to date to assist hold the group afloat.
Meinerz joins Patrick Surtain because the anchors from that group, although the Broncos have a couple of different contributors from Paton’s first providing as a GM. Professional Soccer Focus graded Meinerz as a top-five guard in 2022 and slotted him third amongst guards final season. The superior metrics website positioned Meinerz, 25, because the NFL’s finest run-blocking guard in 2023.
Sean Payton was not current for Meinerz’s arrival, however the second-year Broncos boss has lengthy positioned a premium on inside O-line success. Payton invested closely in inside blockers to assist shield Drew Brees; present Broncos O-line coach Zach Strief was a part of that effort.
Jahri Evans turned a pillar for the Saints, whereas the group additionally used first-round picks to amass Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz. Erik McCoy, who has grow to be one of many NFL’s high facilities, arrived through second-round decide in the course of the finish of Payton’s New Orleans run.
