Former Texas star Jahdae Barron signs 4-year contract with Broncos
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner is officially a member of the Denver Broncos.
Former Texas star defensive back Jahdae Barron signed a 4-year contract with a fifth-year team option, the Broncos announced Wednesday. According to Spotrac, the deal is worth $18 million with a $9.8 million signing bonus, and the contract is fully guaranteed.
Barron was the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and the second Longhorn to be taken after offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was the No. 9 pick. The Longhorns set a program record with 12 players selected in the draft, edging out last year's 11 for the most since the seven-round draft format began in 1994.
After the Broncos selected Barron, general manager George Paton said he couldn't stop watching Barron's tape.
"The instincts, anticipation, route awareness … he’s really sticky in man and doesn’t give many completions," Paton said. "He’s really good in the run game and tackler, and he plays all over the field. He fits everything we’re looking for. He’s going to add to a really good defense, we’re excited to have him."
Denver head coach Sean Payton said Barron's versatility will serve him well in the NFL, and that he "has a bright energy to him."
Barron's Texas teammate Alfred Collins also signed his rookie contract Wednesday, a 4-year $10.3 million deal with the 49ers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. Collins was a second-round selection.