LATEST: Broncos Trade Top Star to NFC Squad for Top 5 Selection
The Denver Broncos may approach another major trade cautiously after the disappointment of the Russell Wilson situation. Nevertheless, if head coach Sean Payton has his sights set on a top quarterback prospect, the Broncos might find themselves compelled to act. Despite a relatively quiet offseason, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell predicts a shift for Denver during the 2024 NFL draft.
Barnwell suggests a substantial trade with the Arizona Cardinals to improve their chances of securing a quarterback. In his April 18 article, he notes, “If the Broncos do want to move up, it’s going to cost them.” He reasons that the Cardinals might prefer Denver’s offer over what they could get from the Vikings, partly because it includes a future first-round pick from a team expected to perform poorly next season.
Regrettably, Barnwell’s proposed trade would involve sacrificing star wide receiver Courtland Sutton. The deal would see Sutton, along with three additional draft picks, heading to Arizona in exchange for a top-five pick.
Broncos get:
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 4 overall)
– 2024 third-round pick (No. 90 overall)
Cardinals get:
– Sutton
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)
– 2025 first-round pick
– 2025 second-round pick
Denver stands to lose out in this proposition due to the departure of Sutton and the crucial draft picks required to propel the rebuilding process forward.
According to Barnwell, the Cardinals would also contribute a player, Sutton, aged 29 with two years left on his current contract, who could immediately bolster Kyler Murray and the offensive unit.
Broncos GM on Courtland Sutton: ‘He’s In a Good Place’
The Broncos commenced their voluntary offseason program at Dove Valley, yet Sutton was conspicuously absent. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero’s report on April 16, Sutton seems to be holding out for a new contract. However, General Manager George Paton doesn’t seem perturbed by the star wide receiver’s absence.
Paton told Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post on April 18, “It’s 100 percent voluntary. It’s the first week of the offseason program. Sean [Payton] has talked to Courtland. I’ve talked to Courtland. He’s in a good place and we’ll just leave it at that.”
Sutton still has two years remaining on his four-year $60.8 million extension signed in November 2021, as per Spotrac. If Paton remains unworried about Sutton’s situation, Broncos fans need not fret for now.
Is Courtland Sutton Deserving of a Contract Extension From the Broncos?
During the 2023 season, Sutton found himself frequently in the end zone, making it seem like his second home. He led the Broncos in receptions with 59, totaling 772 yards and securing 10 receiving touchdowns.
From Weeks 6 to 11, Sutton impressively scored a touchdown in five consecutive games. Despite being the primary target for Denver during a somewhat inconsistent season under Payton, the question arises: does he warrant a contract extension?
Despite his prominent role, Sutton’s track record includes only one season surpassing 1,000 yards and a total of 14 touchdowns before the previous season. Injuries played a significant role, particularly in sidelining him for most of 2020. His standout Pro Bowl season in 2019 and his impressive 10-touchdown performance in 2023 may appear as exceptions rather than the norm in his career.
Should the Broncos opt to move on from Sutton, they have promising alternatives like second-year speedster Marvin Mims Jr., newly acquired free agent Josh Reynolds, and Tim Patrick, who would likely top the team’s depth chart. The decision to extend Sutton requires careful consideration from the front office, regardless of the direction Payton chooses for the roster.