On April 16, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that wide receiver Courtland Sutton remained away from the organization in what seems to be a holdout for a new deal. Sutton is entering the third year of his four-year, $60.8 million contract.
However, this may not be the only reason the 2023 team captain is absent.
“According to a source, Courtland Sutton underwent ankle surgery this offseason. On April 16, 9News’ Mike Klis reported on X that an injury occurred during the Raiders’ 2023 season finale. “It doesn’t appear that the team or Courtland are concerned. The team exercised his $2 million guarantee option in March. “He has been working out every day in Florida.”
While rehab is mentioned as a contributing factor to Sutton’s absence, Klis did report on the financial side.
The Broncos’ huge player losses may have prompted Sutton to want a “stronger commitment.”
Klis also mentioned the three-year, $52.5 million contract his former teammate Jerry Jeudy signed after the Broncos sold him to the Cleveland Browns. That provides Sutton’s less-proven Jeudy a $2.5 million advantage on annual wages.
Jeudy received $41 million in guaranteed money, while Sutton received $34.9 million in his 2021 contract.
Sutton can stay away without consequence until the required minicamp begins on June 11.
From there, he will face penalties of up to $50,000 within the first three days. His salary is still ranked 15th overall among all wide receivers. That is three spots above Jeudy, but it may not be enough.
Broncos Insider compares Courtland Sutton to Garett Bolles.
The Broncos selected Sutton in the second round (40th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite the offense’s problems, he had 59 receptions for 772 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns last season.
That is not to say that everyone agrees with his decision, especially given his surgery and the voluntary nature of this part of the offseason program.
“Business is business and players are entitled to address business as they wish,” Klis said in a statement. “But it’s worth noting that seven-year starting LT Garett Bolles has only one year left on his deal – with no guarantees – yet he showed up on Monday for the first day of the Broncos’ offseason program.
Bolles is completing a four-year, $68 million contract.
While the organization made some sort of commitment to Sutton and turned $13.8 million of Mike McGlinchey’s contract into a bonus to free up cap space, Bolles’ status remains the same.
Garett Bolles could be entering his final season with the Broncos.
Broncos general manager George Paton praised Bolles’ performance last season. However, the Broncos remain a club to monitor for a tackle, with Bolles, the former No. 20 overall pick in the 2017 draft, turning 32 years old in May.
“I believe he had a good season. On March 25, Broncos general manager George Paton said of Bolles, “I think he played well. “Obviously, there is always something to prove. But gosh, Garett, I believe he’s 31,32 [years old]. He still moves like he’s 25, and I think he had a tremendous year.”
The Broncos may still have plans for Bolles and Sutton, much like they did for McGlinchey.
That would not preclude the Broncos from pursuing a short-term option, such as drafting a rookie and mentoring him under Bolles for at least next season.
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