LATEST REPORT: Potential Steelers WR Trade Target No-Show for Offseason Workouts
Apart from signing Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins to minimum contracts, the Pittsburgh Steelers have remained relatively quiet in terms of notable acquisitions at wide receiver this offseason.
Despite expressing initial interest in Tyler Boyd during the early stages of NFL free agency, the Steelers have been deliberate in extending him or pursuing other receivers with compelling offers. However, their patience might prove advantageous due to recent developments in Courtland Sutton’s contract situation.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Sutton opted not to attend voluntary workouts with the Denver Broncos on April 15, signaling his desire for a contract extension. While attendance at these workouts isn’t mandatory for Sutton, Pelissero suggested that his absence indicates a potential holdout for a new deal.
Pelissero conveyed on X (formerly Twitter), “Broncos WR Courtland Sutton did not report Monday for voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract, per source.” Additionally, Pelissero highlighted Sutton’s situation, noting, “Sutton is going on his 10th starting QB in seven seasons and has only $2 million guaranteed left on his deal.”
#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
Despite suffering a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, Sutton showcased his talent with a Pro Bowl season in 2019, amassing 72 catches and 1,112 receiving yards. While he hasn’t yet surpassed the 1,000-yard mark since then, Sutton has maintained consistency, recording at least 770 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons. Notably, he also secured 10 receiving touchdowns in 2023, with Russell Wilson as his quarterback.
Could the Steelers Benefit From a Courtland Sutton Holdout?
Jefferson and Watkins have previously achieved 600-yard receiving seasons, albeit inconsistently. However, in the last season, their combined yardage was a mere 351 yards. Presently, either one of these veterans or Calvin Austin III is poised to become the team’s secondary wide receiver after George Pickens.
Many analysts have assumed that the Steelers will prioritize selecting a receiver early in the upcoming 2024 draft. While this may indeed occur, if it doesn’t happen in the first round, there could still be a need for an upgrade at WR2 for the 2024 lineup.
Sutton, who has surpassed 700 yards in five out of six seasons despite quarterback changes in Denver, could fill that role. He racked up 59 catches, 772 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns last season.
With two years remaining on his current contract, Sutton might not have significant leverage in extension negotiations typically. However, if he remains resolute in seeking a new deal and opts to skip required workouts, there might be an opportunity for the Steelers to acquire the discontented receiver at a lower price.
How Sutton Fits With the Steelers
The 28-year-old wide receiver is an obvious choice in terms of productivity. Although he hasn’t been as effective deep down the field since his ACL injury, Pickens fills that role in Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme. On the other side, Sutton could take on the dependable, possession receiver role that Diontae Johnson held for many seasons.
Moreover, Sutton has prior experience working alongside Wilson. During Wilson’s 29 starts with the Broncos, Sutton managed 119 receptions, 1,576 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Acquiring Sutton would not only enhance the Steelers’ offensive arsenal for their quarterback but also provide Wilson with a familiar target on the field and a comforting presence in the locker room.
Nevertheless, a crucial question the Steelers may face if they pursue Sutton is whether they are prepared to offer him a contract extension. If Sutton decides to leave Denver, it’s likely because he’ll be seeking a new deal from a team. Given Sutton’s nearing 30 years of age and Pickens’ rookie contract expiring in two years, it’s uncertain whether the Steelers would commit to Sutton beyond his current contract.