Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, consistency at the kicker position is often an underappreciated cornerstone of success—and for the Denver Broncos, that consistency has been solidified with Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos. Wil Lutz, the Broncos’ kicker since 2023, has inked a four-year extension worth \(20 million, with \)12 million guaranteed—a deal that locks in one of the league’s most reliable specialists through the 2028 season. Lutz’s extension isn’t just a reward for past performance; it’s a strategic investment in a position that has plagued the Broncos for years before his arrival. From game-winning field goals to clutch extra points, Lutz has become a trusted weapon for head coach Sean Payton, and this extension ensures he’ll continue to be a key part of the Broncos’ pursuit of divisional titles and Super Bowls. For Denver, securing Lutz long-term is a move that brings stability to a critical special teams role, while for Lutz, it’s a validation of his fit in the Broncos’ culture and his desire to build a legacy in Denver.

Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos comes on the heels of two standout seasons that reestablished Lutz as one of the NFL’s elite kickers. After a injury-plagued 2022 with the New Orleans Saints, Lutz joined the Broncos in 2023 and immediately made an impact: he connected on 91.7% of his field goals (33 of 36), including 8 of 10 from 50+ yards, and converted all 42 of his extra point attempts. In 2024, he’s been even better, hitting 93.3% of his field goals (28 of 30) and helping the Broncos win four games with kicks in the final two minutes—including a 52-yard game-winner against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13. Lutz’s ability to perform under pressure has been a game-changer for Denver, which had cycled through three kickers in 2022 before signing him. “Wil has been everything we hoped for and more,” Payton said during a press conference announcing the extension. “He’s clutch, he’s consistent, and he’s a leader in our locker room. Locking him up long-term was a top priority for us.” Lutz, who played under Payton in New Orleans, echoed the sentiment: “Denver has felt like home from day one. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep playing for this team and this city.”

A key detail of Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos is the contract’s structure, which balances security for Lutz with flexibility for the Broncos. The four-year, \(20 million deal makes Lutz one of the top 10 highest-paid kickers in the NFL, with an average annual salary of \)5 million—appropriate for a player of his caliber but not prohibitive to the Broncos’ salary cap plans. The \(12 million in guaranteed money includes a \)6 million signing bonus, which the Broncos can spread across the salary cap over the next four years, minimizing its immediate impact. This structure allows Denver to retain Lutz without sacrificing cap space needed to extend other core players, like defensive end Zach Allen or wide receiver Marvin Mims. “We worked hard to find a deal that was fair to Wil and good for the team’s future,” said Broncos general manager George Paton. “This extension gives us stability at kicker for years to come, while still keeping us flexible to build around our young core.” For Lutz, the guaranteed money was a key factor: “It’s not just about the money—it’s about the team showing they believe in me. That means more than anything.”

Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos also addresses a long-standing need for the Broncos, who had struggled with kicker inconsistency for nearly a decade before Lutz’s arrival. Between 2015 and 2022, Denver cycled through eight different kickers, including high-profile misses like Brandon McManus (who struggled with accuracy in 2022) and Brett Maher (who lasted just three games in 2023). This instability cost the Broncos multiple games—including a 2022 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders where a missed 40-yard field goal in overtime sealed the defeat. Lutz’s arrival changed that: his consistency has turned special teams from a liability into a strength, with the Broncos now ranking 3rd in the NFL in special teams efficiency in 2024. “Having a kicker you can trust changes everything,” said Broncos special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff. “We don’t have to game-plan around avoiding long field goals or worrying about extra points. Wil gives us confidence in every situation.” For the Denver Broncos, this extension isn’t just about keeping a good player—it’s about eliminating a positional weakness that had held the team back, allowing them to compete for championships with a complete roster.

Another important aspect of Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos is the reaction from fans and media, which has been overwhelmingly positive. Broncos fans took to social media to celebrate the news, with #LutzLockedUp trending locally within minutes of the announcement. Many fans shared memories of Lutz’s biggest kicks, including his game-winner against the Chiefs and a 54-yard field goal in a snowstorm against the Cleveland Browns in 2023. Local sports radio hosts praised the move as “one of the smartest signings of the offseason,” with Vic Lombardi noting that “good kickers win games, and great kickers win championships. Wil Lutz is a great kicker.” National analysts also weighed in, with ESPN’s Field Yates ranking the extension as one of the “top 5 most impactful special teams signings of the year.” For the Denver Broncos, this positive reaction is a reminder of how much Lutz has meant to the team and its fans. “Wil has become a fan favorite because he delivers when it matters most,” said Broncos team president Burke Nihill. “This extension is a way to say thank you to him—and to our fans—for the trust we’ve built together.”

Looking ahead, Officially Signed Extension by Lutz for the Denver Broncos will play a critical role in the team’s pursuit of success in the tough AFC West. With Lutz locked up, the Broncos can focus on other roster needs—like adding depth to the offensive line or secondary—without worrying about the kicker position. Lutz, for his part, is already looking forward to the future: he’s been working with the Broncos’ young special teams players, including rookie punter Adam Korsak, to help elevate the entire unit. “I want to be more than just a kicker here,” Lutz said. “I want to help this team win a Super Bowl, and I want to do it with this group of guys.” For the Denver Broncos, this extension is a statement of intent: they’re building a team that can compete for championships now and in the future, and Wil Lutz is a key part of that vision. As Payton put it: “Championship teams have great kickers. We now have one of the best, and we’re keeping him. That’s a big step forward for this franchise.” With Lutz in teal and orange for the next four years, the Broncos can enter every game knowing they have a reliable weapon to win close matchups—an essential ingredient for any team with Super Bowl aspirations.