Reporter dismisses trade rumors surrounding Broncos WR Courtland Sutton

Courtland Sutton's name keeps popping up in trade rumors, but it appears the Denver Broncos want to keep the talented wide receiver.

On his X account, Mike Kils of KUSA-TV in Denver noted that the Broncos "have no plans to trade Sutton" and that he's still in "good standing" with the franchise.

Sutton was absent when the Broncos started their voluntary workouts and is seeking a new contract. The 28-year-old has two years remaining on a four-year, $60.8M deal. His 2024 base salary is $13M, but only $2M is guaranteed. None of his 2025 salary ($13.5M) is guaranteed. 

Broncos general manager George Paton didn't clarify whether they're negotiating but didn't seem concerned about his absence. 

"It's 100% voluntary," Paton said, via Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. "It's the first week of the offseason program. [Head coach Sean Payton] has talked to Courtland. I've talked to Courtland. He's in a good place and we'll just leave it at that."

The Broncos aren't in a position to extend stars. Spotrac estimates they have $3.07M in cap space, 30th in the NFL. Sutton's market value is a three-year deal worth $18.7M annually. 

Denver would save $13.57M in cap room if it traded Sutton with a post-June 1 designation. The former Pro Bowler would attract suitors. Before the NFL Draft, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the Pittsburgh Steelers "could be a team to watch" if the Broncos moved Sutton.

However, Denver should find a way to give him a new deal. He thrived in his first season under Payton, tying for fourth in the league in TD catches (10 in 16 games).