The Denver Broncos are still deliberating on the future of wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Despite skipping voluntary workouts to negotiate a new contract, both General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton have shown minimal concern. Sutton, a team captain in 2023, has two years remaining on his $60.8 million four-year deal as a former second-round pick. Contrary to speculation linked to a post from CTESPN associated with ex-NFL player Antonio Brown, a team insider refuted the notion of Sutton being traded. According to 9News’ Mike Klis on April 29, there are no intentions to trade Sutton, with Paton and Payton affirming his good standing within the team to the Broncos community in recent communications.
It’s not Courtland. No plans to trade him. As Paton and Payton let Broncoland know in recent weeks, Sutton in good standing. https://t.co/yUb9uHxd6v
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) April 30, 2024
Klis took an active approach in this instance as the initial post did not mention Sutton specifically. However, trade speculations have intensified given Sutton’s circumstances. According to USA Today’s Jarrett Bailey’s post on April 27, the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers were identified as potential destinations.
This information aligns with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s earlier reports on Sutton’s trade availability before the draft. The Broncos’ position on Sutton’s holdout was evident from the beginning.
Fowler stated on April 20 that “The #Broncos have received multiple trade inquiries on wide receiver Courtland Sutton, per sources. The Broncos do not plan to trade Sutton, who is skipping voluntary workouts due to his contract.”
Although no trade materialized, Bailey indirectly contested Klis’ reporting.
The Present Wide Receiver Environment Potentially Impacting Courtland Sutton’s Circumstances.
“Contrary to previous reports, WR Courtland Sutton is not viewed favorably within the Denver Broncos organization, according to a source,” Bailey shared on X on April 29.
Sutton’s desire for a new contract remains unchanged, while the Broncos remain firm, highlighting that Sutton still has two years remaining on his current deal. In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles recently extended A.J. Brown, who had two years left on his contract, with a three-year, $96 million extension.
Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions secured a deal worth $120 million over four years, with $77 million guarantee. Notably, former teammate Jerry Jeudy’s three-year, $52.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, including $41 million in signing guarantees, may have influenced Sutton’s situation. Sutton’s current deal guarantees $34.9 million.
Despite Jeudy being approximately three years younger than Sutton and a former first-round pick, his role in Cleveland is not anticipated to surpass Sutton’s, and he has yet to achieve a season as successful as Sutton’s Pro Bowl-worthy performance.
Bo Nix Potential Solution for Broncos and Courtland Sutton Amid Trade Speculation.
Sutton has struggled to replicate his past successes, a fact acknowledged by the team’s management and coaching staff. Notably, Sutton has had to adapt to playing alongside nine different starting quarterbacks throughout his career.
With the potential for a 10th quarterback this year depending on training camp outcomes, the Broncos are eager for stability. They are optimistic that rookie first-round pick Bo Nix could bring an end to this revolving door of quarterbacks.
Head Coach Payton has expressed confidence in 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims Jr. stepping up in Jeudy’s absence. Additionally, the Broncos have added Nix’s former college teammate, wide receiver Troy Franklin, to the roster.
This development could complicate Sutton’s holdout, especially if Franklin’s existing rapport with Nix becomes immediately apparent. Sutton’s actions may be a strategic move to proactively address this situation and secure his future, whether in Denver or elsewhere, amidst ongoing trade rumors.
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