While the wait for Von Miller's massive extension drags on, the Denver Broncos locked down another key piece of the defense.
The Broncos announced Tuesday they signed linebacker Brandon Marshall to a four-year contract extension.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Marshall's extension is worth $32 million, with $20 million in guarantees, per a source informed of the deal. The extension, which includes a $10 million signing bonus, keeps Marshall in Denver through 2020.
"I will earn every penny," Marshall told reporters about his new extension.
KUSA-TV's Mike Klis first reported the extension.
"We're thrilled to agree to terms with Brandon on a four-year extension," general manager John Elway said. "Brandon's become an integral part of our defense over the last three years and has put in a lot of hard work into becoming such a key player on our team. We congratulate Brandon and look forward to him being a Bronco for many more years."
The Broncos placed a second-round, $2.553 million tender on the linebacker this offseason. The sides had until Wednesday to come to an agreement or Marshall to sign the tender, before the deal was automatically reduced. As always, the deadline spurted the agreement.
A 2012 fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the sideline-to-sideline linebacker has grown into a playmaking stud on the Broncos' dominant defense the past two seasons, compiling 215 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 13 passes defensed and two interceptions. A plus defender against the run and in pass coverage, Marshall is the ideal linebacker for Wade Phillip's defensive system.
The new contract ensures he'll remain in Denver well beyond 2016.
With Marshall's deal done, Elway will return to hammering away at a contract for Miller and an extension for receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
