The Denver Broncos face a pivotal decision this offseason: whether to lock in wide receiver Courtland Sutton with a long-term deal projected at $23.3 million per year — a price that reflects both Sutton’s resurgence and the rising cost of NFL wideouts.
Sutton, 29, is entering the final year of his contract and coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, notching 1,081 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. What made his 2024 performance especially notable was that it came with a rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, under center — a pairing that showed early signs of chemistry and potential.
While Sutton hasn’t gone public with any frustration over the contract stalemate, it’s clear he and his camp are aware of the shifting receiver market. With players like Chris Godwin and Michael Pittman Jr. recently landing deals in the $23 million range annually, Sutton’s value is no longer speculative. According to The Denver Post, Sutton’s production aligns closely with those receivers, making the $23.3 million AAV estimate realistic in today’s market.
“Sutton’s value is the easiest to project,” the Post wrote. “With a fairly ready-made comparison in Godwin… [and] Pittman’s 2024 extension… after a 109-catch season, is a solid reference point.”
From the Broncos’ perspective, the urgency to retain Sutton isn’t just about rewarding past performance. Denver’s offense remains thin on proven playmakers, and with Bo Nix likely the quarterback of the future, keeping his top target in-house would provide continuity and stability in a critical development phase.
Still, questions remain. Is Sutton’s 2024 season a ceiling or a new standard? And can Denver justify making a major financial commitment to a receiver who isn’t quite in the league’s elite tier?
Given the skyrocketing market for receivers and Sutton’s recent production, a deal near $23 million per year may soon look like fair value — especially if he continues to perform as a top target in Denver’s offense.
For a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2015, this is more than just a contract negotiation. It’s a decision that could shape the future of the franchise’s offensive identity. And with time ticking down on Sutton’s current deal, the Broncos may have to act sooner rather than later.
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