Broncos Pay Pat Surtain II

Alabama has an argument for "DBU" or defensive back university. The Crimson Tide have some of the best defensive backs in the NFL, with Brian Branch being a star in the Lions secondary, Minkah Fitzpatrick arguably the best safety in the NFL, Xavier McKinney as a top five highest-paid safety in the NFL, and Marlon Humphrey as one of the best defenders in the league.

Arguably the best among them all, however, is Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos. During his time in college at Alabama, Surtain was a shutdown cornerback after his freshman season and was named an All-American in 2020 for his efforts on the field. He was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos.

Surtain's efforts in the league have paid off. According to Jordan Schultz, Patrick Surtain and the Denver Broncos have agreed on a four-year contract extension worth $96 million.

$77.5 million of the contract is fully guaranteed, making Surtain the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.

Surtain was a highly touted recruit coming from American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The No. 11 overall prospect in the 2018 recruiting class chose Alabama over Clemson, LSU, and Miami.

Surtain has been the best cornerback in the NFL since arriving in the league. He's totaled 49 out of 50 possible starts, 187 tackles, 36 pass breakups, seven picks, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one quarterback hit, and one defensive touchdown.

Surtain was named All-Pro First team in 2022 and was a pro bowler in 2022 and 2023. The Broncos picked up Surtain's fifth-year option in April.

Surtain now gives Alabama three of the 10 highest-paid defensive backs in the NFL. Surtain is No. 1, Marlon Humphrey is No. 7, and Trevon Diggs is No. 8.

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.