The Denver Broncos face some challenging decisions as they work to navigate the lingering impact of Russell Wilson’s massive contract, which left the team saddled with $85 million in dead money over the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Among these decisions is the choice of whether to re-sign veteran offensive tackle Garett Bolles, who is in the final season of his 4-year, $68 million contract or to seek a new player to protect the blindside of quarterback Bo Nix via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Bolles, who will be 33 next season, is a seasoned veteran and former NFL All-Pro, but his age may factor into the Broncos’ decision. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, there’s a possibility that the Broncos might let Bolles walk in free agency, with the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to be a strong suitor for the left tackle. Jacksonville has struggled to adequately protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and with left tackle Cam Robinson’s contract set to expire, Ballentine sees Bolles as a viable upgrade to strengthen the Jaguars’ offensive line.
Drafted in the first round (No. 20 overall) by Denver in 2017, Bolles has been a consistent player for the Broncos despite the team’s lack of winning seasons during his tenure. He earned All-Pro honors in 2020, and after a season-ending injury in 2022, he rebounded to play every snap in the 2023 season. His reliability has made him a bright spot on Denver’s offensive line, though the Broncos will need to weigh his age and performance in any decision to extend his contract.
The Broncos have already taken steps to secure their offensive line’s future by signing guard Quinn Meinerz to a 4-year, $80 million extension before the 2024 season. Bolles’ role remains under consideration as he has continued to perform solidly for the Broncos, especially as the team pushes for its first playoff appearance since 2015.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, find themselves in a difficult 2024 season, struggling with a 2-6 record at the midpoint. Head coach Doug Pederson’s future with the team is uncertain, and while Trevor Lawrence received a significant contract extension (5 years, $275 million), Jacksonville’s offensive line needs are glaring. If the Broncos choose not to re-sign Bolles, the Jaguars may step in, hoping his addition can enhance Lawrence’s protection and provide stability on the line going forward.
