Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes so.
“Denver is certainly a year or two away from becoming a true playoff contender. Holder suggested acquiring draft picks for an aging player seeking a new contract, as trade rumours may intensify if the Broncos struggle to start the season. The Philadelphia Eagles currently have the fifth-largest cap space in the NFL, at approximately $26.8 million. Also, free-agent signee DeVante Parker unexpectedly retired in mid-May, and Parker was expected to be the Eagles’ jump-ball specialist this season.
Is Courtland Sutton a possible trade target for the Philadelphia Eagles?
As Heavy’s Josh Buckhalter pointed out, Jeremy Fowler reported on the May 18 episode of “SportsCenter” that there has been “no real progress” on a contract extension between Sutton and the Broncos this offseason. Sutton signed a four-year, $60 million agreement with Denver in 2021 and hopes to sign a new contract.
While this does not rule out further advancement, it does leave the door open for other teams to inquire about the Broncos wide receiver. After Parker retires, Philadelphia will most likely want to get WR help. “Sutton could fill that role and create a dangerous trio of wideouts with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as Philadelphia attempts to make another Super Bowl run,” Holder stated.
Sutton has spent all six NFL seasons with the Broncos. He qualified for the Pro Bowl in 2019 after collecting 72 catches for 1,112 yards (15.4 yards per reception) and six touchdowns. Last season, in 16 games (14 starts), the 6-foot-4, 216-pound veteran caught 59 receptions for 772 yards (13.1 yards per catch) and 10 touchdowns.
Fowler also said that the 28-year-old Sutton would “like to see” his $13.6 million contract for the 2017 season increase to the “$15-$16 million range,” which the Eagles may not want to pay, especially given the extensions they have previously given at the position.
Thus, a trade for Sutton is feasible but improbable.
A Closer Look at Money
The Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman have been extremely active this offseason, especially when it comes to contract extensions.
They signed wideout DeVonta Smith to a three-year, $75 million ($51 million guaranteed) contract extension, as well as top wide receiver A.J. Brown to a three-year, $96 million deal. According to Over the Cap, Smith and Brown’s total 2024 salaries are just over $20 million. They could afford to add another wide receiver to the mix this season.
However, both Smith and Brown’s pay will increase from here. Brown’s cap hit is little less than $12 million in 2024, but it rises to $17.6 million in 2025 and $23.5 million in 2026. Smith’s $8.1 million cap charge for the upcoming season will remain at $7.6 million in 2025, but will increase to $10.7 million in 2026.
Given the team’s present budget, does Philadelphia really want to pay another wideout more than $13-14 million per year? That is unlikely.
Still, the prospect of a receiver of Sutton’s size joining the Eagles’ already talented offence excites Eagles Nation. If Sutton is willing to play for a little less in order to join a contender, Philly may definitely be a possibility.
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