The Denver Broncos can march into the new league year knowing that the fully guaranteed portions of wideout Courtland Sutton's and right tackle Mike McGlinchey's contracts have kicked in.
According to 9NEWS' Mike Klis, Sutton had a $2 million injury guarantee on his $13.5 million salary for 2024 converted to a full guarantee. Sutton has two years and approximately $28 million left on his current deal; there's a $14 million non-guaranteed amount for him earmarked for 2025.
Given the production of the Broncos No. 1 wide receiver, this should come as no surprise. Sutton is the Broncos' premier red-zone threat, concluding the 2023 season with 59 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. His receiving touchdowns were tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
This is very encouraging for Broncos fans, as there was speculation that Sutton was a potential trade candidate. Based on his social media accounts, he seemed unhappy with the moves that the Broncos have made during the offseason.
It'll be interesting to see whether Sutton changes his tune during the remainder of the offseason now that he has some fully guaranteed money coming his way, and with the Robin to his Batman — Tim Patrick — returning for 2024.
Entering Year 2 as a Bronco, McGlinchey also had a contract guarantee kick in on March 18. The $17.5 million salary for 2025 now becomes fully guaranteed.
The Broncos restructured McGlinchey's contract last week. Approximately $14 million of his $15 million salary was converted to a signing bonus and a void year was added, which created $11 million salary-cap space for 2024. Although McGlinchey had a few head-scratching plays last year (specifically in pass protection), his overall play on the right side of the offensive line was good.
The Broncos are now navigating life in the post-Russell Wilson era. Despite the astronomical dead money from Wilson’s contract, the team is doing its best to restructure contracts and bring in high-value players at a low cost.
Given that the Broncos are taking the larger amount of $53 million in dead cap this year and $32 million against the cap in 2025 on Wilson's contract, the team should have more flexibility in 2025 and beyond to sign higher-profile players and build a contending roster.
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