As the Denver Broncos launched into their voluntary workouts, all eyes were on one notable absence from the offensive lineup: Courtland Sutton.
Sutton is reportedly unhappy with his contract situation. He has two years left on his deal but only $2 million in guaranteed money.
Sutton has been a hot name in the trade rumor mill.
With the Broncos sitting with the #12 overall pick in this week’s draft, Denver is said to be exploring the possibility of trading up.
Including Sutton in a potential trade into the top-ten is viewed as logical. Despite his unhappiness, Sutton is a talented receiver who does have clear value.
Last season, Sutton hauled in 59 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns.
For his career, the 28-year-old veteran has consistently surpassed the 700-yard mark in receiving, except for 2020 when a torn ACL sidelined him.
His best season came in 2019 when he had 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl team.
Despite rumors that he could be up for grabs, ESPN reports that the Broncos have no intention on parting ways with Sutton.
While he clearly wants his contract issue addressed, Sutton figures to play a large role in Sean Payton’s offense going forward.
(Although many fans are still convinced that he will be dealt.)
With the recent trade of fellow wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns, Denver wants to hold onto Sutton to help stabilize the unit.
The bigger question is who will be throwing Sutton the football?
With veteran Jarrett Stidham penciled in as the starting quarterback, there’s no doubt Payton and company are actively trying to address the position.
Earlier today, Denver traded for New York Jets bust Zach Wilson in what was a low-risk move. Payton and company will try their best to develop Wilson … Who knows? Maybe they can bring something out of him that the Jets weren’t able to.
Either way, a change of scenery for the former #2 overall pick can’t hurt.
As for the Broncos, whether they sit tight at #12 or trade up in the draft, there’s still a decent chance they up taking a quarterback. (The Wilson trade doesn’t mean that Denver is now satisfied with their QB room.)
No matter what happens, we know the Broncos (and Sutton if you believe the report) will be rocking these sweet new uniforms next season…
Although you can certainly read into the uniform unveiling if you wish…
What are your thoughts on Sutton?
Should he be “off-the-table” in trade discussions?
Or should the Broncos not hesitate to throw him in a deal to move up in the draft?
At the end of the day, what will Denver do on Thursday???