BREAKING: “Sky-High Salary Demand.” Broncos’ $18 Million Star Pushes Denver Into a Tough Spot

A difficult contract dilemma is beginning to take shape in Denver, as Alex Singleton is reportedly seeking a significant raise that would push his next deal toward the $25 million range, placing the Denver Broncos in an increasingly uncomfortable position heading into the 2026 offseason.

Singleton is currently playing under a three-year, $18 million contract signed in 2023, a deal that quickly proved team-friendly given his on-field production. As that contract nears its final phase, however, league sources suggest Singleton believes his value now exceeds his current pay scale — and he wants that reflected in a new agreement.

From a football standpoint, the argument is understandable. Singleton has been one of Denver’s most consistent defenders, regularly leading the team in tackles and serving as a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense. While he may not carry the national profile of an elite linebacker, his reliability, durability, and leadership have quietly become essential to the Broncos’ defensive identity.

The issue for Denver is financial reality. A $25 million commitment for a linebacker outside the league’s top tier represents a major investment, especially for a team that has already allocated significant cap resources elsewhere. Extensions for cornerstone players such as Patrick Surtain II, Zach Allen, and Nik Bonitto have tightened Denver’s flexibility, leaving little margin for error in future negotiations.

Internally, the Broncos recognize the risk of losing Singleton. Middle linebacker is a position that demands communication, experience, and trust — qualities that are not easily replaced through the draft or low-cost free agency. At the same time, setting a new financial precedent could ripple through the locker room and complicate future contract talks with other veterans.

“I believe I’ve proven my value year after year, and when the time comes, I want to be recognized for what I bring to the field.”

That statement has been interpreted around the league as a clear signal of Singleton’s expectations. It places Denver in a familiar but unenviable position: reward steady production and leadership, or hold firm and risk creating a void in the heart of the defense.

For head coach Sean Payton, the timing adds another layer of complexity. As the Broncos continue building around a young quarterback and attempt to maximize their competitive window, every major financial decision carries amplified consequences.

Granting Singleton the raise could preserve continuity and defensive stability in the short term. Declining to do so, however, may signal a philosophical shift toward reallocating resources elsewhere — even if it means parting with one of the team’s most dependable contributors.

Either way, Alex Singleton has succeeded in forcing Denver’s hand. As negotiations loom, the Broncos must now decide whether his request represents an overreach — or the true cost of keeping their defensive foundation intact in an increasingly competitive AFC West.