Denver Broncos’ Plans for a Surprise $61 Million Star trade.

The Denver Broncos have significantly altered their player lineup during this offseason, most notably parting ways with Russell Wilson and Justin Simmons while also trading Jerry Jeudy. These moves have elicited diverse reactions from observers and fans alike.

Courtland Sutton is one player who appears to be shielded from experiencing a similar fate as his former teammates due to these changes, according to Zack Rosenblatt, a New York Jets insider for The Athletic. On March 12, Rosenblatt reported that the Broncos are not actively seeking to trade Sutton, although surprises may emerge in the wide receiver market.

Sutton, aged 28, had an impressive performance last season, with 59 receptions for 772 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is currently in the third year of a four-year contract extension worth $60.8 million, with a notable cap hit of $17.4 million, which could potentially prompt cost-cutting measures.

Despite the potential for Sutton to attract interest if made available for trade, the Broncos have not actively pursued such a scenario. Interest in Sutton has previously been demonstrated by teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, who reportedly intended to draft him with the 32nd overall pick in 2018 if they hadn’t traded back. Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens explored trading for Sutton last offseason but were thwarted when the Broncos withdrew from negotiations.

The possibility of trading Sutton could serve as a means for the Broncos to enhance their draft assets. Currently possessing eight picks in the upcoming 2024 draft, with only two falling within the top 100 selections and one within the top 50, the Broncos have already engaged in financial restructuring, clearing approximately $20 million by renegotiating contracts with players like Zach Allen and Ben Powers.

While Sutton’s dissatisfaction with recent roster changes has been noted, the Broncos’ decision at the quarterback position will play a pivotal role in determining his future with the team. It is speculated that retaining him would be more logical if a veteran quarterback were to helm the offense. However, if the Broncos opt for a complete reset at quarterback, it might make sense to reset the clock on Sutton as well, especially considering that he will be 30 years old when his next contract begins.

Nevertheless, the Broncos seem relatively unconcerned about this prospect, as evidenced by their limited activity in addressing the quarterback position thus far. The trajectory of their draft picks may ultimately dictate the immediate futures of several players on the roster, including Sutton.