Broncos make Patrick Surtain II the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history: reports

'FOX NFL Sunday' analyst Jimmy Johnson joins 'Fox & Friends' to weigh in ahead of the first week of the season.

The Denver Broncos reportedly signed cornerback Patrick Surtain to a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Wednesday. 

The deal made Surtain the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. 

The $24 million average annual value of Surtain's deal is now tops in the NFL, ahead of the Green Bay Packers' Jaire Alexander at $21 million.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, #2, celebrates with teammate Saivion Smith, #38, after returning an interception 30-yards for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

Surtain, the ninth overall pick by the Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been one of the league’s best corners the last two years. He made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022. 

Surtain's services will be essential for the Broncos as they look to stay competitive in a division with the high-powered passing offense of the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Surtain intercepted Mahomes last year and helped lead the Broncos to their first win over Kansas City since 2015. 

The Broncos also have to contend with the Los Angeles Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert in their division.

Surtain is now one of the first defensive draft picks in the 2021 draft to receive a lucrative extension. He was going into the final base year of his rookie deal, but the team could have exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, keeping him under contract through the end of the 2025