Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is currently set to be a free agent following the 2025 season. Surtain might be one of the only truly sure things on the Broncos' roster as Denver tries to be consistently competitive again, but the two sides have yet to strike a long-term contract extension.
Even so, Surtain didn't sound like a panicked man on Monday night when asked about his future. In what amounted to a no-brainer, the team picked up his fifth-year option in April, so it would make sense that a long-term deal gets done eventually.
"That time will come," Surtain told The Denver Post. "I'm focused on being the best player I can be."
It's an uncertain time in Denver. The Broncos will be breaking in a new starting quarterback, the team has lost veteran fixtures such as Justin Simmons and Lloyd Cushenberry, and it's not clear who will start opposite Surtain at cornerback. Plus, Denver's draft record looks spotty following the offseason trade of Jerry Jeudy.
Keeping as many homegrown talents such as Surtain would figure to be a priority for a franchise in flux following an offseason of change in Sean Payton's second year running the Broncos. Even with his own future hanging in the balance, Surtain sounds like a man who expects to lead this team this season -- and perhaps beyond.
"(There are) a lot of new faces coming in the building, but the standard has never changed," Surtain said. "The main focus is getting to that next step, which is the playoffs and even better."
For now, the Pro Bowl cornerback said he likes what he's seen of the CB group, which includes recent draft picks Riley Moss and Kris Abrams-Draine, along with veterans Damarri Mathis and Levi Wallace.
"They all (have been) making plays during OTAs and are capable of playing on Sundays," Surtain said. "I'm looking forward to seeing (how it plays out)."
That last part also applies to his contract status, whenever that gets addressed.
