Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is the No. 1 option for QB Bo Nix.
That much was clear last season, and will be again this year after Sutton was rewarded handsomely with a new contract early in training camp.
But even though Sutton is now on his third deal with the Broncos, this one worth up to $92 million, his leadership is still excellent.
Sutton’s vocal and teaching style is noticeable at every practice. And after Denver wrapped up a joint session with the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, head coach Sean Payton was asked about it.
“There’s all the elements. The work ethic, the production and how he lives his life. Then how he handles this game,” Payton said. “One of the challenges in this game is you can’t pay everyone, but you want to make sure you’re paying makeup and character.”
Clearly, Payton was happy that ownership, GM George Paton and himself were comfortable dishing out big dollars to Courtland Sutton. That money isn’t going to change who he is or how hard he works.
“The contract, none of that will impact how he practices and how he approaches the game. It’s really beneficial for us as an offense,” Payton said.
In the meantime, with roster cuts looming in fewer than two weeks, the Broncos might have some hard choices in the wide receiver room. Sutton is obviously the top dog, but then it’ll be interesting to see how the roster shakes out.
Payton was asked about depth that features the likes of Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele, Pat Bryant and Trent Sherfield among others.
“Look, I like it. There will be some tough decisions. There’s a chance a receiver that might be out here today might be on a 53 (man roster) somewhere else. And that’s a good thing,” Payton said.
Sutton will of course make the team, along with likely all five wide receivers listed above.
But guys such as Michael Bandy, Joaquin Davis, Jerjuan Newton and Courtney Jackson could be tough cuts. The latter three are rookies, but have had moments this summer.
Denver is lucky to have a player like Courtland Sutton leading such a young room. Unfortunately, not all of them can make the Broncos, but Payton is confident one or more could catch on with a different NFL squad.