It would be rather odd if the Broncos resisted trading Courtland Sutton at basically every NFL trade window since the 2022 deadline, when the veteran wide receiver established himself as one of this period’s trade-rumor mainstays, and then deal him during a somewhat promising season. But, stop if you’ve heard this before, Sutton is in play to be dealt. Some around the league view the seventh-year wideout as “50-50” to be moved before the Nov. 5 deadline, per Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline.
Sutton, 29, attempted to secure a raise from his $13MM base salary but only received a $1.7MM incentive package this offseason. Denver not budging would point to an openness to a trade, but the team declined a third-round pick for its top receiver from the 49ers, nixing what could have been a three-team trade with the Steelers during the Brandon Aiyuk saga. The Broncos had aimed for a second-rounder for Sutton during the 2023 offseason, progressing in talks with the Ravens before the AFC North club pivoted to an Odell Beckham Jr. signing, but centered their passing attack around him in Sean Payton‘s debut.
This season, the Broncos have needed Sutton to help Bo Nix‘s development. Sutton leads the team with 29 receptions for 377 yards this season, helping a club that is otherwise dependent on rookie-contract players — especially in light of the shooting involving Josh Reynolds. Marvin Mims has not become a factor on offense, as the 2023 second-rounder was viewed as the player the Broncos wanted to replace Jerry Jeudy. The Broncos have Sutton signed through 2025 on a team-friendly deal (four years, $60MM). No guarantees are in place beyond this season, likely opening the door to another round of trade rumors — in the event Denver hangs onto him before next week’s deadline.
With Diontae Johnson the latest receiver to move, here is the latest from the position’s trade market:
- Josh Palmer appears headed to free agency after this season. The former Brandon Staley/Tom Telesco-era piece has not assimilated too well in Greg Roman‘s offense, totaling 15 receptions for 243 yards and no touchdowns this season. The former third-round pick, who operated as key injury insurance behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams under Staley, is not believed to be in the Chargers‘ long-term plans, Pauline adds. The Chargers have been linked to reacquiring Williams, and Pauline indicates the team would like to upgrade on Palmer, who has a chance to be traded. In a…