Broncos agree to extension with leading WR

As expected, a deal is indeed in place between Courtland Sutton and the Broncos. The sides agreed to an extension on Monday, as first reported by Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

This will be a four-year pact, per the report. Sutton’s new deal is worth $92M. It ensures a free agent departure will not be possible next spring and keeps him under contract through the 2029 campaign. The contract contains $41M in total guarantees, per 9News’ Mike Klis, including $27M in new locked in compensation.

Having reported to training camp — but participated on a limited basis — Sutton remained a figure to watch regarding a deal being struck in time for Week 1. Earlier Monday, reports indicated progress had been made toward a deal. Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the news of an agreement was coming soon, and that has now taken place.

Prior to Monday, Sutton was due to collect $14M in 2025. The 29-year-old has now secured a raise, albeit one which does not move him particularly close to the top of the receiver market. With an average annual value of $23M, this extension will move Sutton into a tie with Calvin Ridley for 18th in terms of yearly compensation at the position.

Team and player agreed to a one-year compromise last summer, with 2025 emerging as the time for a long-term arrangement to be made. Nevertheless, the likes of Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen appeared to enter training camp as higher priorities for Denver with respect to working out an extension. In the end, though, it is Sutton who is the first member of that trio to secure a raise. It will be interesting to see if Monday’s move is followed by other big-ticket agreements for the Broncos.

Sutton has spent his entire seven-year career in the Mile High City, operating as a full-time starter along the way but not always managing to produce at an elite level. The former second-rounder notched 1,000 yards for the first time in his career in 2019, but he did not duplicate that feat until this past campaign. Enjoying a strong year with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Sutton set a new career high with 81 catches and managed eight touchdowns.

Denver has repeatedly drafted complementary wideouts dating back to before the Payton era began in 2023. As a result, the likes of Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant will be counted on as contributors for Nix’s second NFL season. Out of Denver’s receivers, though, Sutton will of course again be relied on to lead the way. If he can duplicate the success of 2024, the team’s offense could improve from last year’s impressive showing.

This offseason has seen a number of changes made in Denver’s backfield as the team seeks a more consistent run game. It will be interesting to see how the new faces at the running back spot fare, but in any event Sutton will continue as a mainstay and a focal point for Nix to target. That will also be the case well beyond the 2025 campaign.