ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — A day after selecting a star defender in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Broncos have made a move to keep their 2018 first-round pick in Denver through at least 2022.

The Broncos officially exercised the fifth-year option on linebacker Bradley Chubb's rookie contract, the team announced on Friday. The decision extends Chubb's rookie contract through the 2022 season.

Ahead of the start of the draft, General Manager George Paton called Chubb one of the team's "core guys" and said he wanted him in Denver for "a long time."

The former fifth-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Chubb is off to one of the best starts in franchise history for a pass-rusher. Since the NFL began tracking sacks in 1982, only two Broncos — Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil — have more sacks in their first 34 games than Chubb.

The NC State product began his career on a tear, as he recorded a franchise-record 12 sacks in 2018. He also added 14 tackles for loss and 21 quarterback hits that season. Chubb was named to the NFL All-Rookie team following the season.

In 2019, Chubb started the first four games and recorded one sack, five tackles for loss and six quarterback hits before partially tearing his ACL in Week 4.

Chubb returned from the injury in 2020 to record his first Pro Bowl appearance, despite not having Von Miller to help attract the attention of offensive linemen. Chubb posted 7.5 sacks in 14 games in his return to the field and was among the league leaders in pressures.

In 2021, Chubb — and a now healthy Miller — will aim to continue an already impressive career.