Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton did not report to the team for voluntary workouts earlier this week. Sutton is displeased with the current state of his contract, according to reports. Sutton is currently scheduled to enter the second-to-last season of a previously signed four-year extension that only contains $2 million left in guarantees.
Sutton's contract is slated to pay him a base salary of $13 million this season according to Spotrac. Sutton earns an average annual salary of $15.2 million on his current contract, which he likely feels is outdated. Sutton is the 22nd-highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Sutton could request a trade if the Broncos refuse to make amendments to his contract. The situation is worth monitoring and we’ve identified three potential teams that could consider trading for Sutton.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
It's not been a particularly productive offseason in Jacksonville. They failed to re-sign their No. 1 wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who opted to join their AFC South rival Tennessee Titans instead. Gabe Davis was signed away from the Buffalo Bills, but the Jaguars now lack an obvious go-to playmaker in the passing game.
Furthermore, the Jaguars have watched their AFC South counterparts surround their young quarterbacks with talented receivers. The aforementioned Ridley plays with Will Levis in Tennessee. The Houston Texans helped their ascending quarterback C.J. Stroud by trading for Stefon Diggs. Have the Jaguars done anything to that effect to help Trevor Lawrence? The answer is no.
Sutton would offer the Jaguars’ offense X-receiver tendencies. The boundary lacks a dominant presence. Sutton would be a great complement to Davis and Christian Kirk.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers created a sizable hole at receiver this offseason by trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. It's worth noting that general manager Omar Khan has made efforts to improve the offense overall. He acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback and hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator.
All that would be wasteful if the Steelers roll out George Pickens and not much else at receiver. Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III currently rank No. 2 and 3 on the depth chart. Wilson would appreciate having big-bodied receivers like Pickens and Sutton at his disposal in two-receiver sets.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Everyone expects the Giants to draft Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, or Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Is that enough considering Darius Slayton led the offense this past campaign with 770 receiving yards? That ranked 46th among all pass-catchers across the league. More than one receiver is needed for head coach Brian Daboll to field an effective offense in 2024. Pairing Sutton with a rookie playmaker would cover more bases.
Whether it's Daniel Jones or someone else, the Giants' 2024 starting quarterback will prefer to have more pass-catching weapons. Calling the Broncos to inquire about prying Sutton away is a conversation worth having.
