The Denver Broncos have not yet decided what will happen to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the long run. He boycotted optional workouts in 2023 as team captain in an attempt to get a new contract.
However, head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton had few concerns.
There are two more years left on the $60.8 million, four-year contract of the former second-round choice. One team insider refuted the notion that Sutton would be moving in reaction to a post from the CTESPN handle that was ostensibly associated with former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown.
On April 29, Mike Klis of 9News reported on X, saying, “It’s not Courtland.” No intention to trade him. In recent weeks, Paton and Payton informed Broncoland that Sutton was in excellent standing.
Since Sutton was not mentioned in the post, Klis took the initiative in this instance. However, given Sutton’s circumstances, trade rumours have intensified. On April 27, Jarrett Bailey of USA Today stated on X that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams were possible destinations.
This report aligned with pre-draft reporting by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler regarding Sutton’s trade availability.
From the beginning of Sutton’s holdout, the Broncos’ position was evident.
On April 20, Fowler wrote on X that “the #Broncos have received multiple trade inquiries on wide receiver Courtland Sutton, per sources.” “Due to his contract, Sutton is missing voluntary workouts; the Broncos do not plan to trade him.”
Nothing ever materialized. Bailey did, however, subtly refute Klis’ story.
Courtland Sutton’s Predicament May Be Contributed to by the Present WR Landscape
Bailey wrote on X on April 29 that “WR Courtland Sutton is not in good standing with the Denver Broncos, per source, contrary to reports.”
“There has been no change in his request for a new contract. The Broncos refuse to budge, pointing out that Sutton has two more years left on his contract. However, A.J. Brown’s current contract had two years remaining, and the Eagles just extended it.
Brown and the Eagles agreed to a three-year, $96 million deal extension.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, a great player for the Detroit Lions, signed a contract worth $120 million, with $77 million guaranteed, spread over four years.
Sutton’s former colleague Jerry Jeudy’s three-year, $52.5 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, which contained $41 million in guarantees due at signing, might have been the real deal, though. In his current contract, Sutton is guaranteed $34.9 million.
Jeudy was previously selected in the first round and is around three years younger than Sutton.
He has never had a season as outstanding as Sutton’s greatest, when he qualified for the Pro Bowl, but his job in Cleveland isn’t anticipated to be significantly larger with the Browns.
Bo Nix Might Resolve Courtland Sutton and the Broncos’ Long-Standing Problem In the midst of trade rumours
He has never again reached those heights working against Sutton. However, the personnel and front desk appear to recognize the factors that have led to it.
In particular, Sutton’s career has seen him play with nine different starting quarterbacks.
Depending on how training camp goes, this year will make it at least ten. The Broncos are hoping that this will be the final adjustment they need to make. Bo Nix, a rookie first-round selection who is well-liked by the team, has the potential to buck the trend.
In Jeudy’s absence, Payton stated he anticipates Marvin Mims Jr., a 2023 second-round pick, playing a bigger role.
Troy Franklin, a wide receiver, was also drafted by the Broncos. Nix was Franklin’s college teammate.
That won’t help Sutton’s skeptic, particularly if it becomes clear right away that Franklin and Nix already get along. After years of trade rumours, Sutton’s action may be an astute attempt to ensure his future in Denver or another city and avoid that scenario.
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