The Denver Broncos are coming off of a disappointing, playoffs-less 2023-2024 season with an eye on improving their standing in a packed AFC West. Antonio Pierce has made the Raiders a force to be reckoned with and the Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl champions. Jim Harbaugh is revamping the Chargers with an eye on a division title in year one. Where Coach Sean Payton's Broncos fit depends largely on their defense, which gave up an AFC West worst 413 points last season.

Now, the Broncos are set to bring back stalwart defender Patrick Surtain, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter. The news came amid a Zach Wilson trade that shook the college football world. The Broncos also unveiled a new nine-combination uniform palette that has fans feeling surprised.

Surtain alone won't change the Broncos' defensive fortunes, but the Pro Bowl defender is a key piece that Payton and company can build around.

Broncos Bring Back Surtain on New Deal 

Surtain has been signed to a fifth-year option deal according to Schefter's latest report.

Fans reacted strongly in the comments section after Surtain's deal was announced.

“No brainer. This SHOULD quiet anyone on Broncos twitter who thinks they're going to trade him,” one fan said.

“So they aren't trading him? LOL,” another fan added.

Patrick Surtain is being brought back to Denver.

Many fans appeared certain that the Broncos will ship him to the Philadelphia Eagles, a move that would likely occur sometime soon if it does happen. The Eagles attempted to trade for Surtain last year, one of two teams to do so according to a report from Sports Illustrated. 

Broncos' NFL Draft Strategy

The latest seven-round mock draft for the Broncos was revealed this past weekend and Denver appears to have their eyes set on a talented project at quarterback as well as an established EDGE rusher.

The Broncos need help across the board, from the quarterback position to receiver, tight end, running back, defense and beyond. They are practically a clean slate for the 2024 NFL Draft, with virtually all positions open for improvements except perhaps for Surtain's if they decide to keep him.

The Broncos' trade for Zach Wilson illustrated the team's current approach to rebuilding its roster. By taking a chance on a talented by oft-maligned prospect, the Broncos have placed themselves in a low risk, potentially high reward situation. Now, the real work begins of rebuilding the team through the Draft in this coming Thursday.