Garett Bolles wants to be a Bronco for life.
If he didn’t make it clear before, the starting left tackle did so while standing at a podium in front of reporters on a hot Friday afternoon following the first day of training camp at the team’s facility.
Bolles, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, is entering the final year of his four-year, $68 million contract, which he signed in 2020. While there’s a bit of uncertainty about his future after 2024, Bolles told the team that he wants to remain in Denver, where he has established his family and developed deep connections.
“We don’t want to go anywhere else…the ball is in the organization’s court,” Bolles said.
Across the league, there have been players skipping practices due to their contract situation. San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams, New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick and Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb are all holding out of training camp as they look for a new deal.
Even though Bolles has a cap hit of $20 million this fall, he doesn’t have any guaranteed money. But that hasn’t stopped him from participating in Denver’s offseason program or being present at camp.
“This team counts on me,” Bolles said. “Anytime we have voluntary (workouts) or team meetings, I want to be the first one there. I love this city (and) organization.”
The Broncos have made a strong investment in their offensive line since 2023. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (five years, $87.5 million) and left guard Ben Powers (four years, $51.5 million) signed lucrative deals last offseason. This week, right guard Quinn Meinerz signed on the dotted line for a four-year extension worth up to $80 million.
Bolles hopes to be the next offensive lineman to receive a deal from Denver. At the same time, he understands he can’t focus on the uncontrollable. Bolles mentioned that he has a “unique” relationship with head coach Sean Payton, who has told him to focus on performing at a high level on the football field and taking care of his family.
“I can focus on those things, just like I did in 2020 (when) it worked out good for me,” Bolles said.
Bolles, 32, mentioned that his body is fresh, jokingly saying that he feels like a 25-year-old. He played in all 17 games last season after starting in only five in 2022 due to injury. When Bolles looks at the 49ers’ Williams, who was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press at 35, he believes he has more years left in the tank.
“I’m the strongest and fastest I’ve been,” he said.
Bolles has protected 13 starting quarterbacks during his time in Denver. With the possibility of the number increasing to 14 in Week 1, he remains confident that the team is moving in the right direction.
He said he’s developed a good relationship with rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. And no matter who lines up under center against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, he’s going to do his best to provide protection on the left side.
“It’s my job to keep their jerseys fresh,” he said.
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Originally Published: July 26, 2024 at 3:14 p.m.
