The offseason is a perfect time for NFL teams to enter contract talks with their stars. There’s no threat of providing distractions for players during the season, and locking up your players ahead of the upcoming season, before their market changes, is just as smart. In terms of the Denver Broncos, there could be one player in line for a new deal after receiving a contract update in recent days.
Broncos’ receiver Courtland Sutton, arguably, had the best season of his career in 2024. The veteran caught a career-high 81 passes for 1081 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Broncos make the postseason for the first time since 2015, while also fostering a connection with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Now, Sutton’s contract situation is one to watch.
Per Nick Kosmider of The Athletic, Sutton and the Broncos are heading in the right direction for a contract extension. Sutton was linked with the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the offseason, though any potential pursuit for him likely ended when the team traded for George Pickens. Now, a new deal for Sutton could be right around the corner in Denver.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) pulls in a reception past Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) pulls in a reception past Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“Sutton held out of Denver’s offseason program last year, angling for an extension of a contract that still had two years remaining at the time. He and the Broncos agreed to a minor salary adjustment in 2024 that offered an opportunity to claim nearly $2 million in incentives.” Kosmider said, “Sutton hit most of those escalators during arguably his best career season (81 catches, 1,081 yards and eight TDs), setting him up for a real extension as he now enters the final year of his deal.”
The Broncos' offense started slow in 2024 as Nix looked to find his feet in the NFL. But the former Oregon quarterback settled into Sean Payton’s offense and found a strong connection with Sutton. Keeping the offensive infrastructure consistent is key for development, entering his sophomore season in the NFL.
“Both sides expressed a desire to reach a new deal this offseason that would keep Sutton in Denver long term. The veteran practised with the team during the offseason program this spring, an encouraging sign negotiations were headed in the right direction.” Kosmider went on to add.
Sutton deserves his payday, too. The former SMU star has caught 262 passes for 3458 yards and 22 touchdowns in the last four years, and has had to suffer through some bad Broncos offenses.