The Denver Broncos could find themselves in a very interesting situation this season depending on how things go. They’ve got two potential paths: either charge ahead as playoff contenders or step back and plan for the future. It’s a scenario every team faces, but one that could shape the course of the Broncos’ next few seasons.
If the Broncos maintain a strong position in the AFC West, making a push with strategic trades might be on the cards. Historically, the Broncos have been more of a trading team, often parting with their own assets, so the idea of reinforcing their roster to sustain a playoff run would be a refreshing change for their fans.
However, let’s entertain a hypothetically different scenario—what if the season doesn’t pan out as planned? Speculation has surfaced about a potential move involving wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Alex Kay from Bleacher Report proposed an intriguing possibility: Sutton to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.
Sutton, stepping into the final year of his contract, has yet to receive an extension, despite a standout season last year. With 81 receptions, 1,081 yards, and eight touchdowns, Sutton demonstrated the kind of production the Broncos once hoped for when he hit the 1,000-yard mark back in his Pro Bowl-worthy 2019 season. But injuries and the occasional inconsistency haven’t helped his cause. Additionally, with players like Devaughn Vele cutting impressive figures in training camp, Sutton could potentially become expendable. Vele, a surprise gem from the seventh round, seems primed to step into Sutton’s shoes as the team’s leading receiver.
While chatter about a contract extension for Sutton is swirling, let’s not jump the gun. Sure, Vele looks promising, but he might be more fitting as a WR2 alongside a seasoned veteran. Especially when the Broncos have a crop of promising receivers like Marvin Mims Jr, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin in the mix.
Sending Sutton to the Jets, however, stirs skepticism. The Jets aren’t exactly positioned for a major playoff push in 2025 and have their own financial puzzles to solve with stars like Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson due for extensions. Adding Sutton, who turns 30 this year, isn’t the clean fit it might seem at first glance.
Ultimately, any move involving Sutton will depend heavily on how the Broncos’ season unfolds. What’s clear, though, is Denver fans are hoping for a team that buys into their postseason dreams rather than one that’s selling off key players. Regardless of how things shake out, the Broncos’ strategic decisions during this trade period will be pivotal in shaping their future.
