Pat Bryant Inks Four-Year Deal with Broncos, Embraces Expectations and Opportunity
Pat Bryant has officially signed a four-year, $6.6 million contract with the Denver Broncos, becoming one of four rookies to finalize deals after the 2025 NFL Draft. The wide receiver steps into the spotlight following high praise from head coach Sean Payton, who likened elements of Bryant’s game to former All-Pro Michael Thomas.
Reflecting on his draft moment, Bryant described the call from Denver as “a great experience” and “a dream come true.” Despite the excitement, he remains focused on proving himself. “I’ve got a lot more work to do,” he said during an appearance on Action Sports Jax on May 7. “I’m just trying to stay locked in and prepare myself here in Jacksonville, so when I get to Denver, I’m ready to put on a show.”
Bryant emphasized his confidence in his abilities and his hunger for an opportunity. “I always knew the kind of player I was. I just needed the chance. Now that I have it, I’m going to make the most of it,” he said. “It means a lot that a coach like Sean Payton believed in me enough to trade up and get me — that says something about how he values me.”
Eager to dive into the playbook and meet his teammates, Bryant also mentioned his upcoming participation in the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles. “It’s exciting to be around other guys from my draft class, but I’m really just ready to get back on the field,” he added.
Payton’s Bold Comparison and Bryant’s Response
The Broncos selected Bryant earlier than many other teams anticipated, a move likely influenced by Payton’s strong assessment of his potential. “There were a lot of things in Pat’s game that reminded me of Mike Thomas — his explosiveness off the line, competitiveness, toughness, and physicality,” Payton said on April 25. “His size, his hands — really impressive.”
Although Payton acknowledged the pressure that comes with such a comparison, Bryant took it in stride. “Mike Thomas is a great player and did incredible things in this league. To hear that from Coach Payton is special,” Bryant said. “But ultimately, it’s on me. I welcome the pressure. It just adds fuel to the fire.”
A Familiar Mold: Comparing Bryant to Courtland Sutton
Bryant’s arrival also drew praise from his college position coach, Justin Stepp, who previously coached Broncos Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton at SMU. Stepp sees similarities between the two. “Pat reminds me a lot of Courtland. He’s got that quiet confidence and knows exactly who he is,” Stepp told The Athletic. “People used to wonder if Courtland was ‘mean enough’ for football because he was so nice. But he had that fire — and Pat does too.”
Interestingly, Bryant joins a crowded receiver room just as Sutton enters the final year of his current contract. With Denver also adding Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin Jr. in 2024, and Marvin Mims Jr. emerging as a Pro Bowl returner, the competition is heating up. Still, Bryant seems ready to embrace it — and to make his mark.
