INDIANAPOLIS — The Broncos bathed in Super Bowl 50’s gold confetti because of a platinum defense. They want to keep the NFL’s top-ranked unit together, and have made a push to sign free-agent Malik Jackson.

The Broncos have negotiated with his agent, and have offered a longterm contract north of an average of $10-million a year, representing a step to keep him off the market which opens March 7. It remains a challenge given Jackson’s anticipated suitors, who will have more salary cap space than the Broncos.

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The parameters of the current offer make sense based on comparables.

San Diego’s Corey Liuget signed a five-year, $51.5 million contract extension with $30.4 million guaranteed last June. And the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cam Heyward agreed to a six-year, $59.2 million contract on the eve of training camp a year ago, taking less in guaranteed money ($15 million), but a higher signing bonus than Liuget ($12 million compared to $7.5 million).

Mile High Sports’ Eric Goodman first reported Tuesday an offer of “five-year, $50-million-ish,” saying Jackson is seeking $75 million.

Jackson profiles for several suitors, including the Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers. Jackson, 26, posted five sacks and 45 tackles last season. He punctuated his performance with 1.5 sacks in the divisional round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and scored a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

Teammates have urged Jackson to return to the Broncos, but understand every situation is unique.

“Free agency is a business at the end of the day. I hope we can get something done here,” Jackson said after the Super Bowl. “But I am glad I had a chance to be with this group. I never know if I will have that chance to go back again if I don’t stay here. It’s a blessing to be around these guys. They are special.”

Troy E. Renck: , trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck