Garett BollesĀ is a pending free agent who has expressed interest in remaining with the Broncos beyond 2024. Regardless of if that happens or not, the eighth-year left tackle intends to continue playing for the foreseeable future.
Bolles inked a four-year, 68M extension duringĀ John Elwayās final season as general manager. Since then, the regime led by GM George Paton and head coach Sean Payton has made a number of lucrative investments up front.
Right tackleĀ Mike McGlincheyĀ and left guardĀ Ben PowersĀ were added as outside free agents, while right guardĀ Quinn MeinerzĀ landed aĀ big-ticket extensionĀ this offseason.
That has led to questions about Bollesā future in Denver, although the teamĀ did not considerĀ trading him ahead of the 2024 campaign. The 32-year-old has made it clear heĀ hopes to continue his tenure in the Mile High City, but another lucrative contract will be challenging given the other commitments already on the books along O-line.
Bolles will not consider retirement in the event a new Broncos accord is not worked out, though.
āI pride myself on that I feel like Iām in good health,ā the former first-rounder said (via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette). āI feel like my mind and body feel great. I feel young for what everybody wants to say my age is. I feel like I can play for a lot more years.ā
Bolles is the teamās longest-tenured player and he is set to remain the unquestioned starter along the blindside. A veteran of 100 games, he has yet to make a playoff appearance but his career has consisted of consistent play as a full-time left tackle contributor.
Bolles finished 19th amongst all tackles in overall PFF grade last season, and another strong campaign in 2024 would help his free agent stock.
A number of high-end blockers have managed to continue their careers well into their 30s, especially if they manage to remain healthy along the way. Bolles has missed notable time only once (in 2022), so the former second-team All-Pro could draw attention on the open market if he were to avoid a major injury this year.
It will be interesting to see if the Broncos pursue another extension over the coming months or if they allow Bolles to test free agency in 2025. Either way, he will be aiming for another multi-year pact given his comments.