Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos should contemplate giving former Pro Bowler new deal

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/16/24

Despite the Broncos' recent ineptitude, wide receiver Courtland Sutton has stayed in Denver and wants to be rewarded for his loyalty to the franchise.

Per Tom Pelissiero of NFL Media, Sutton didn't report for the Broncos' voluntary workouts on Monday as he seeks a new contract.

#Broncos WR Courtland Sutton did not report Monday for voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract, per source.

Sutton is going on his 10th starting QB in seven seasons and has only $2 million guaranteed left on his deal. He had 10 TDs in 2023 while ranking 56th in targets. pic.twitter.com/93rA35XdM4
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 16, 2024

Sutton, 28, has two years left on a four-year, $60.8M deal. His 2024 base salary is $13M, but only $2M is guaranteed. None of his 2025 salary ($3.825M) is guaranteed.

In six seasons with Denver, the former Pro Bowler has 298 receptions for 4,259 yards and 24 TD catches. He also tied for fourth in the league in receiving TDs (10 in 16 games) last season. Keep in mind he's going to play with his 10th starting QB next season, so he could've produced bigger numbers in a better situation.

Surely, Sutton deserves more, but the Broncos are in a tight financial spot after releasing QB Russell Wilson in March. Spotrac estimates Denver has $18.057M in cap room, 15th in the league.

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos traded former first-round WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns to clear more cap room. Perhaps they would consider doing the same with Sutton.

Trading him with a post-June 1 designation would save $13.57M, and WR-needy teams (e.g., Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers) may be interested.

But Denver can't afford to lose a productive pass-catcher, especially if it takes a QB with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Plus, the Broncos finished 24th in the league in receiving yards (209.8) last season. Further depleting the position seems unwise.

Sutton could help the Broncos rebuild under head coach Sean Payton. To keep him happy, they should consider giving the star WR a new deal.

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