Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is opting out of team workouts as he looks for a better deal. He is set to make $13 million in the third year of a four-year, $60.8 million contract.
But only $2 million of that is guaranteed for this season. Meanwhile, his former teammate has a Jerry Jeudy signed a three-year, $52 million contract with $41 million guaranteed.
Sutton's contract, which he signed in 2021, included $34.9 million in total guarantees.
Multiple sources have reported that the Broncos have received trade offers for Courtland Sutton. However, the team does not plan to trade him, even though he is skipping voluntary workouts because of his contract. Courtland Sutton is due to receive $13 million in base salary ($2 million guaranteed) and would like a pay adjustment based on his role as a team leader in a time of transition and ongoing uncertainty with the team's quarterbacks (having played for nine different QBs since 2018). This is the second year in a row that there has been trade interest in him. The General Manager,
George Paton,
informed reporters on April 19 about Sutton's absence, saying, “It’s completely voluntary. It's the first week of the offseason program. Sean [Payton] has spoken to Courtland, I've spoken to Courtland. He's in a good place and we'll leave it at that. The Broncos picked Sutton as the No. 40 overall pick in 2018. Currently, he ranks 13th in receiving yards and 16th in touchdowns inteam history
Sutton achieved a career-high of 10 touchdowns with 772 yards on 59 receptions last season. The Broncos have been active in the offseason, including releasing nine-time Pro Bowler.
Russell Wilson,
and Sutton is expected to be one of two offensive skill players returning for Week 1 next season, along with running back Javonte Williams. Cortland Sutton has undergone surgery during the offseason Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos..
Sutton has an additional reason for seeking a new deal in addition to the constantly changing landscape of the NFL.
GettyHis health also plays a significant part in this decision.
“According to a source, Courtland Sutton had ankle surgery during the offseason. The injury occurred in the 2023 finale,
9News’ Mike Klis reported
on X on April 16. “The team or Courtland doesn't seem to be concerned. The team exercised his $2 million guarantee option in March. He has been working out daily in Florida.” Raiders,” Sutton has missed three games in the last two seasons. Apart from his
injury-marred 2020 season
, he has been available for every game in his NFL career. However, he has only had one 1,000-yard season. He also only had a total of four touchdown catches in the 2021 and 2022 seasons combined. Since joining the league, he ranks 29th in receiving yardsThe Broncos have consistently maintained their position, which they have put into practice when teams have expressed interest in Sutton.
The Broncos turned down a trade offer for Courtland Sutton to the Ravens in 2023 Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos. in 2018.
“In need of a quality veteran receiver, the
explored trading and free-agent options,”
GettyThe Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec wrote
in April 2023. “At one point, a deal seemed possible for Courtland Sutton, but the Denver Broncos decided not to trade him. Ravens Not just Baltimore, but other places too. The team called Philadelphia Eagles expressed interest
in Sutton, but that was before the draft in 2018.
The The Denver leadership's position is understandable given the changes they've made this offseason. However, it's worth considering whether their best way to get the quarterback they want in this draft involves moving Sutton to another team. also An important NFL expert provided some understanding about the Denver Broncos' plans for Courtland Sutton amid trade rumors. in Sutton, though that was during the pre-draft process in 2018.
Denver brass’ stance is understandable in the wake of the changes they have made this offseason. But it’s fair to wonder if their best path to landing the quarterback they want in this draft includes moving Sutton to a new team.