As the 2024-25 NFL season approaches, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Denver Broncos and wide receiver Courtland Sutton have made no “real progress” toward a contract extension.
In addition, Mike Klis of 9News in Denver stated that Sutton is not currently in camp with the Broncos. He’s working out in Florida, which means he’s “sending a message to the team that he’d like a reworked contract.”
Sutton and the Broncos are at an impasse.
Sutton has been the target of trade rumours for some months.
To add to Klis’ allegation, Sutton has reportedly missed the team’s first 16 summer workouts as of May 13.
The workouts aren’t voluntary, but Broncos general manager George Paton doesn’t seem concerned.
“I mean, it’s completely voluntary.” Sean has spoken with Courtland, and I have as well. He’s in a good place, so I’ll just leave it at that.”
Paton’s comments above, however, were made shortly before the draft, so the pressure may be on now.
According to Spotrac, Sutton has made approximately $68 million in his career since signing a four-year, $60.8 million contract in November 2021.
Klis’ report included reasons why Sutton believes he deserves more money, such as his 10 touchdowns last season.
His stats could have been better if not for four head coaches, five offensive coordinators, and nine starting quarterbacks over the last six seasons, and he’s widely regarded as the locker room leader now that Justin Simmons, Kareem Jackson, Josey Jewell, and Lloyd Cushenberry III have left.
In 2023, Sutton caught 59 passes on 90 targets for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Sutton’s request for a new contract comes after his former teammate, Jerry Jeudy, was dealt to the Cleveland Browns and received a three-year, $52 million contract, worth $17.3 million per year.
Sutton will earn $13.6 million in 2024 and $14 million in 2025.
Darnell Mooney of the Atlanta Falcons, who previously played for the Chicago Bears, is another point made in Klis’ article.
Mooney will earn $17.5 million in 2024, but he has failed to reach 40 catches, 500 yards, or two touchdowns in the previous two seasons.
However, as previously said, Sutton is signed for the next two seasons, so the Broncos can certainly hold their ground, as he does not have a strong negotiating position.
Sean Payton will return to lead Sutton in 2024, and the team will have a new quarterback in Bo Nix, who was picked in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He’ll be Nix’s top wide receiver, so getting him back in the facility is critical for their relationship to establish.
Alternatively, the embattled receiver may be traded, as has been predicted for months.
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