Teams that either aren’t too enticed by the 2023 wide receiver draft prospects or possibly don’t like their chances for a top talent to slip to their draft range could be intrigued by a current member of the Denver Broncos.
According to NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry, the Broncos have been “quietly shopping” Courtland Sutton this offseason. Sutton, 27, signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with Denver last season, so parting him just one year later would be a bit of a surprise.
Not to mention, the Broncos ranked dead last in scoring last season. Are they really in the business of parting with Pro Bowl receivers? Sutton isn’t coming off a career-best year, and one would think his large frame would work wonders in the red zone, but he has averaged just 3.5 touchdowns per season.
- Courtland Sutton stats last season: 64 receptions, 829 yards, 2 TDs
Still, who couldn’t use a 6-foot-4 receiver who’s proven he can top 1,000 yards, even with mediocre quarterback play? That’s a player that should fit in nearly every offense.
Trading Sutton now would incur a dead cap charge of $11.4 million, only saving $6.7M. So, these rumors wouldn’t appear to be about cap savings. Instead, they may only be motivated to move the talented wideout if a strong offer comes along.
With Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and KJ Hamler also on the depth chart, a case could be made that the Broncos have a slight excess at the position, yet they still couldn’t get the sparks to fly last year. Toying with that process now seems like a risky move.
Yet, the Broncos are coming off a five-win season and just parted with more draft picks to acquire Sean Payton. They don’t have a draft pick until selection No. 68 and have just five picks this year. In other words, don’t be surprised if they continue looking for ways to add to their draft capital this offseason.
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