Jahdae Barron, Broncos Reportedly Agree to $18M Rookie Contract Before Training Camp

The Denver Broncos and rookie cornerback Jahdae Barron, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, have agreed to a four-year deal worth just over $18 million, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold. The contract also includes a $9.8 million signing bonus.

Barron and Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick in the draft, were the only two first-rounders who hadn't yet signed rookie deals.

The contract was done in time for Barron to report to training camp along with other Bronco rookies on Wednesday. Veterans are set to report to camp on Tuesday, July 22.

Although the two sides cut it close until the beginning of training camp for rookies, it appears Denver didn't foresee issues getting the contract finalized.

"The Broncos privately had little concern about Barron's deal getting done as the two sides had spent time in negotiations over the payment schedule of his signing bonus," Legwold wrote.

Denver has now signed all of its drafted players aside from second-rounder RJ Harvey, a running back out of UCF. But that's to be expected, as there's been a league-wide second-rounder standoff around the league after the Houston Texans signed Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins to a fully guaranteed deal, prompting other second-rounders to covet such a contract.

As for Barron, the 5'11", 200-pounder was a star at Texas, where he won the Jim Thorpe Award as college football's best defensive back in 2024. He amassed five interceptions (11 pass breakups) and 67 tackles last season.

Naturally, there's excitement about his addition to a Denver defense and secondary that (a) features reigning Defensive Player of the year/cornerback Patrick Surtain II and (b) finished third in scoring last year. He's aboard now officially as Denver looks to improve upon a 10-win campaign and an AFC Wild Card appearance.