NFL

Broncos sign DT Zach Allen to four-year, $102 million contract extension

Several bad organizations are currently dealing with trade requests and holdouts. The Denver Broncos are not one of those organizations. A model franchise, the Broncos win and take care of their own. As a result, this season’s outlook for Denver is rosy.

Allen is one of the Broncos’ best players, and he’s being rewarded as such. The defensive lineman has posted 13.5 sacks over his first two years with the club, a number that will only rise for the 27-year-old. A former edge defender, Allen could still improve versus the run, but he’s a very good all-around talent.

This pact is a tiny bit on the pricey side, but it’s arguable that Allen is still ascending. Therefore, there’s a solid chance he lives up to this deal. If he doesn’t, only $69.5 million is guaranteed, so Denver could get out of the agreement after Year 3.

The main story here, though, is that the Broncos are keeping their talented defense together for the long haul. Denver was already good on that side of the ball in 2024, and then added Jahdae Barron, Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw to the mix. Additions are important, but so is retainment; Denver is doing both at a high level.

Grade: B

NBA

Lakers sign PG Luka Doncic to three-year, $165 million contract extension

The Lakers practically stole Doncic from the Mavericks six months ago, anointing him as their new franchise player. The only risk then was whether the five-time All-NBA guard would sign an extension with the team. Now, Los Angeles can exhale.

Because of the NBA maximum-contract rule, every elite player that is signed becomes a bargain. Doncic is worth far more to the Lakers over three seasons than the $165 million he’s signing for, but his deal is capped at the amount. Advantage, Los Angeles — again.

The future of the Lakers is murky. Doncic is now in tow through at least 2028 — likely longer — but the pieces around him aren’t. LeBron James could be entering his final season. Austin Reaves’ cheap contract won’t last forever. And finally, the role players shuffled in and out by Rob Pelinka each year are sure to come and go. Doncic, however, makes the franchise much more attractive to opposing players when he’s signed long term. That’s obviously now the case.

A massive season awaits the Lakers. Playoff success has been insubstantial for Los Angeles in recent seasons, so it’ll be on Doncic & Co. to propel the club to at least one or two series victories in 2026. That’ll be no easy task, especially in the daunting Western Conference. Arguably the biggest prize of all, though, for the Lakers has already been attained; Doncic will be around for the long haul.

Grade: A+