Damarri Mathis, a fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh by the Denver Broncos in the 2022 NFL draft, still has two years left on his contract. However, he appears to be entering a pivotal season with the team. Mathis, 25, was thrust into a starting role as a rookie due to injuries, where he struggled with a 69.1% completion rate in coverage. He started the 2023 season as well but allowed a 74.4% completion rate and three touchdowns before being benched seven games in.
Now, Mathis finds himself at a crossroads in his career. If he can bounce back this season and improve upon his coverage skills, he will have a chance to compete for a starting job once again. However, if his performance continues on a downward trajectory and fails to impress the coaching staff and management, he may not be re-signed when his contract expires in two years.
Broncos coach Sean Payton acknowledged the tough nature of the cornerback position and expressed confidence in Mathis’ ability to bounce back given his training efforts and weight loss.
Despite Payton’s public support, the Broncos have made moves that suggest they are exploring other options at cornerback. They drafted Riley Moss in the third round last year, Kris Abrams-Draine in the fifth round this year, and signed Levi Wallace in free agency. These moves indicate that Mathis will need a standout season in 2024 if he hopes to secure a long-term future in Denver.
Mathis has been working hard during offseason training to improve his skills and regain the trust of his coaches and teammates. He has also been focusing on maintaining his weight loss progress and staying healthy throughout the season.
The competition for starting jobs at cornerback is fierce within the Broncos organization, but Mathis remains determined to prove himself as an essential member of the team’s defensive unit.
