The Denver Broncos have signed fullback Andy Janovich to a three-year contract extension that will run through the 2022 season, the team announced Friday. Before receiving the extension, Janovich was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
Janovich’s contract is worth $5.7 million and averages $1.9 million per season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk earns an average of $5.25 million per year and Buffalo Bills fullback Patrick DiMarco earns an average of $2.1 million per year. “Jano” will now rank just below them as the league’s third-highest paid fullback.
Janovich (6-1, 238 pounds) was selected by Denver in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Nebraska. His four-year rookie contract was worth $2,504,309, according to Spotrac.com.
“Since he was drafted back in 2016, Andy has developed into one of the best fullbacks in the league,” general manager John Elway said in a statement. “He’s exactly what you look for in a fullback — tough, reliable and a versatile part of not only the offense but also our special teams. It’s nice to see how Andy’s hard work has paid off, and we look forward to his continued impact on the Broncos.”
Janovich received the extension just days after he helped running back Phillip Lindsay rush for a career-high 114 yards in Week 5. Janovich missed the first three games of the season with a shoulder injury and was limited to special teams work in Week 4. He returned to full health last week and made an immediate impact on offense.
“I want to give a shout out to Jano because one, having him back is just — it’s like night and day,” Lindsay said of his fullback on Wednesday. “That’s like me and him are married together. He does a lot for us. He makes a lot of things go in this offense and he’s a fixer.”
Janovich, 26, leads the team in special teams tackles (16) since 2016 and he’s an important blocker on offense. He’s rarely used as a runner himself but he has been productive when called upon. Janovich has rushed 12 times for 50 yards and two touchdowns in his career. He has also caught 17 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.
