The Broncos rewarded George Paton for building a real playoff contender.

Denver’s general manager agreed to a new five-year contract, a source told The Denver Gazette Friday morning. Broncos controlling owner Greg Penner later confirmed the deal to keep Paton in Denver through the 2030 NFL season.

“We are pleased to announce a new five-year contract for George Paton that reflects our confidence in his leadership, vision and the overall direction of our team,” Penner said in a news release. “As our general manager, George has demonstrated a strong commitment toward building a winning roster while forming a collaborative and supportive partnership with Sean Payton.

“I’ve enjoyed working with George over the last four seasons and appreciate the alignment we share in positioning the Broncos for sustained success.”

Paton, 56, is the architect behind the Broncos escape from the AFC West basement to conference front-runners. He inherited a team in 2021 that went 5-11 the previous year, and last season, the Broncos finished 14-3 and reached the AFC Championship Game.

Paton rebuilt the roster with some of the most successful NFL draft classes over his tenure. Since 2021, he has picked four Pro Bowlers and three first-team All-Pro selections. His first draft class in Denver included cornerback Pat Surtain (No. 9 overall), offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (No. 98 overall) and edge rusher Jonathon Cooper (No. 239 overall).

Paton also made 36 trades and signed 55 unrestricted free agents since arriving in Denver. He’s given out 13 contract extensions. Now, the Broncos return the majority of their roster from a year ago with even bigger expectations.

There were certainly bumps along the way.

The Broncos signed ex-quarterback Russell Wilson in 2022 to a five-year, $245 million contract extension before playing a single game in Denver. The Broncos took on an $85 million dead cap hit to release him. The saga coincided with the firing of ex-head coach Nathaniel Hackett after just 15 games in Denver.

Paton persevered. He developed a strong working relationship with coach Sean Payton. The defense flourished. Quarterback Bo Nix, a first-round draft pick, became a legitimate NFL starter with a bright future. The Broncos’ 24 wins since 2024 are tied for the third most in the NFL over that span.

Paton entered the final season of his six-year Broncos contract in 2026. He received public support for a new deal or extension from team leadership in the weeks and months leading up to Friday’s announcement.

“We want to have George here long term,” Penner said in March at the NFL owners’ meetings. “He’s been a terrific partner for Sean and how they work together. I’m sure we’ll get that sorted out.”

Payton, during the NFL scouting combine in February, added: “It’s overdue. I say that respectfully to the process, but he and I have a great working relationship. So, my job wouldn’t be as fun or as exciting if he wasn’t a part of it. That should be something that gets handled quickly.”

Paton shrugged off contract talks when asked by reporters in February. Paton said: “It will happen when it happens. I’m not too worried about it.”

Yet speculation rose this offseason that he might be a candidate for the Vikings GM vacancy. Paton spent 14 seasons (2007-20) in Minnesota as the team’s assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel.

The Broncos ended that discussion Friday. Paton will continue as the architect of a roster in Denver with Super Bowl aspirations. He expressed confidence in the team’s direction this offseason.

“I think we are always urgent,” Paton said in February. “After the season, you reset because our team is not going to be the same. … We are looking at everything. Yet, you have to be measured and selective and make the right decisions. You can’t just go crazy just because you became three points from the Super Bowl. We’ll be aggressive in that approach but really measured and try to make sound decisions.”