DENVER – The Denver Broncos signed left tackle Garett Bolles to a four-year extension on Thursday, securing a big piece to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Bolles has spent his entire career with the organization after being drafted with the 20th overall pick out of Utah in 2017. This season, he has a chance to help the Broncos reach the postseason for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

The Broncos (8-5) are currently in the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. With a win over the Colts (6:7) they can put distance between themselves and Indianapolis on Sunday.

After an inconsistent start in Denver, Bolles has developed into a reliable pass protector. He has allowed one sack and 24 quarterback pressures in 13 starts this season. Additionally, his quarterback pressure rate of 4.9 percent is the second-lowest among tackles with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps this season, according to NextGen Stats.

With time to scan the field, Nix leads all rookies in completions (277), yards passing (2,842), offensive touchdowns (22) and passing touchdowns (17).

Bolles earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors following the 2020 season. Bolles posted on social media: “Broncos Country, it’s been a great 8 years! Thank you for everything! And… I’m not going. The show goes on!”

Since 2017, Bolles has allowed the sixth-fewest sacks (36) among tackles in at least 3,100 snaps.

Bolles’ extension means the Broncos have all five starting offensive linemen on board by next season. Guard Quinn Meinerz agreed to a four-year contract extension in July.

The Broncos also signed cornerback Patrick Surtain II in September to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $77.5 million in guarantees. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract extension in November.