Denver Broncos extension candidate: Tight end Noah Fant

Tight end Noah Fant just finished his fourth year in the NFL, and could be due for an extension from the Denver Broncos soon.

Noah Fant was the 20th overall draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.  The Denver Broncos traded down with the Pittsburgh Steelers to nab Fant.

Now, after 3 seasons in the NFL, Fant has emerged as a slightly above average tight end. Even with poor quarterback play during his first 3 seasons, Fant has accumulated a respectable 1,905 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

George Paton said when he first arrived in Denver that he believes retaining players from within to maintain the culture. He extended Justin Simmons and Shelby Harris last offseason, 2 extremely deserving players.

This year, he extended Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, so Paton is keeping his word. I have no reason to believe Noah Fant would be left off this list.

The question is, though, what would an extension for the 24-year-old Fant look like?

A good way to predict extensions for players is to look at the current market for the position.

If we take a look at the highest-paid tight ends in the league, George Kittle’s contract is $15 million per year, Travis Kelce’s is about $14 million per year, and Mark Andrews’ is $14 million per year.

Other tight ends like Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, and Dallas Goedert are all within a $12.5-$14.25 million per year range.

According to Spotrac, he’s projected to sign a contract at roughly $14 million per season, putting him near the very top of the highest contract list among tight ends.

Fant still has 1 year left on his rookie deal, but many players are extended after their 3rd season in the NFL.

So, knowing what we now know, what would an extension look like for Fant?

I think 4 years is a solid number for the length of the deal.  Many of the top tight ends in the NFL are on a 4-year contract, so we can assume that’s a “standard” length.

As for the money, I would venture to guess that Fant could get a pact right at $14 million per year.  This is right in line with where Fant falls among the top tight ends in the league, and with the cap set to increase, $14 million is where Fant should fall.

The most important part, arguably, is the guaranteed money.

I see total guaranteed money ranging anywhere from $20 million from Zach Ertz, to $40 million for George Kittle.

Mark Andrews has a 4-year contract at $14 million per, which is what I think Fant is going to receive, but Andrews’ guaranteed money is at roughly $37.5 million in total guarantees, so I think Fant would be able to beat that and see $40 million in total guarantees.

So, a 4-year, $56 million contract with $40 million in total guarantees is where I think Noah Fant would fall with a contract extension.

Does that sound like a good deal for the Denver Broncos?