Broncos' Courtland Sutton addresses potentially awkward Jaylen Waddle situation

The Denver Broncos made a major splash following the 2025 NFL season when they acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round draft pick from the Miami Dolphins in return for a 2026 first-round choice, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder.  

Considering what Denver gave up to land Waddle, one could assume he and not Courtland Sutton will be the team's No. 1 receiver this coming fall. Back in March, Waddle made it known he didn't "think there are No. 1s." 

On Thursday, Sutton poured cold water over concerns related to the number of targets each player could see on any given Sunday.

Courtland Sutton cares more about wins than targets

"Shoot, you guys know me," Sutton said, according to Mike Klis of 9News. "We’ve talked for years at this point, and I want to win games. I think last year, we saw what it would take for a selfless offense to be able to get to where we want to get to. I don’t think that we have any individuals or personalities in our offense that are saying, 'Hey, I need this, I need that.' I think we have a bunch of guys that are willing to put their pride aside and say, 'What do I need to do for this team to be successful?'"

ESPN stats show that Sutton led the Broncos for the 2025 regular season with 74 receptions, 124 targets, 1,017 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. Meanwhile, Waddle led the Dolphins last season with 100 targets, 910 receiving yards and six receiving scores (tied with tight end Darren Waller). 

Courtland Sutton plans to do his job, let passes find him

With Sutton's help, the 2025 Broncos completed a trip to the AFC Championship Game. It sounds like he hopes Waddle will prove to be the missing piece for a team that fell one win shy of playing on the final Sunday of the campaign. 

"I think us seeing that last year, we got to see what that benefit is in terms of overall team success," Sutton continued during his comments. "I think having that mentality as an offense and team will ultimately get us where we want to get to. …The targets will come. I always say, the ball is going to find you no matter what. You just need to go out there and do your job."

Also on Thursday, Waddle and Sutton spoke quite highly of each other. Waddle referred to Sutton as "an elite playmaker," while Sutton said that Waddle is "a special dude." 

Time will tell if the two will continue to get along so well once the season begins in September.