The Denver Broncos have undergone significant roster adjustments this offseason, with notable moves such as releasing Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons, as well as trading Jerry Jeudy. These decisions have evoked various responses.
One player greatly affected by these changes, and potentially future ones, seems to be spared from the same fate as his former teammates.
According to Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic’s insider for the New York Jets, there’s no indication that the Broncos are currently looking to trade Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver. Rosenblatt noted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 12, “FWIW on the WR market: The Broncos aren’t currently shopping Courtland Sutton. Maybe there’s a surprise WR somewhere available but not many obvious, realistic targets at the moment.”
FWIW on the WR market: The Broncos aren’t currently shopping Courtland Sutton.
Maybe there’s a surprise WR somewhere available but not many obvious, realistic targets at the moment. https://t.co/YxYuGLg23v
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) March 12, 2024
Sutton, aged 28, had a productive season in 2023, securing 59 receptions for 772 yards and achieving a career-best with 10 touchdowns. He is currently in the third year of a four-year contract extension worth $60.8 million that he signed previously.
Given his $17.4 million cap hit, there is speculation that he could be a target for cost-saving measures.
Cortland Sutton Could Have Active Trade Market if Made Available
If Sutton were to become available, there’s anticipation that he could draw significant interest in the market. Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles had shown interest in drafting him with the No. 32 overall pick in 2018 before trading back, as reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated in May 2018.
Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens made efforts to trade for Sutton last offseason, with The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reporting in April 2023 that the Ravens were keen on acquiring him. However, the Broncos ultimately backed out of the deal.
A potential trade involving Sutton could provide the Broncos with an opportunity to strengthen their draft capital. Currently, they possess eight picks in the upcoming 2024 draft, but only two of them fall within the top 100 selections, and just one in the top 50, following last offseason’s trade for Head Coach Sean Payton.
Denver recently restructured the contracts of defensive lineman Zach Allen and guard Ben Powers, clearing approximately $20 million in cap space, according to ESPN’s Field Yates on March 12. With their current cap situation at $41.1 million, they have flexibility for further moves.
While Sutton’s contract presents a significant cap hit, the Broncos are not under immediate pressure to make a decision regarding him or his contract.
QB Decision Could Impact Broncos’ Plans
Despite Sutton’s apparent dissatisfaction with some of the recent roster changes, the Broncos’ quarterback decision will ultimately overshadow any concerns about his future in Denver.
It appears more logical to retain Sutton, especially with a seasoned quarterback leading the offense. This could potentially include Jarrett Stidham, one of the two quarterbacks currently under contract for the upcoming season, alongside Ben DiNucci. However, if the Broncos decide to completely overhaul the quarterback position, it might make sense to reset Sutton’s tenure as well, considering he will be 30 years old when his next contract begins.
Nevertheless, the Broncos might not be overly concerned about this scenario. If they were, they would likely have taken more proactive measures to address the quarterback position by now.
Ultimately, the outcome of their draft class could significantly impact the immediate futures of several players on the roster.
Leave a Reply