It's hard to remember a time when contract negotiations seemed so relaxed around Denver Broncos headquarters. Former Broncos GM John Elway's notorious fax machine and more hardball approach have been replaced by George Paton's open-door policy toward negotiating new deals.

Gradually, this has become Nik Bonitto’s home. Just like Fort Lauderdale, where he sprouted enough potential in high school to once tell off Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Just like Norman, where he bulked a thin frame enough to dominate the edge at Oklahoma.