Broncos make big move with Bo Nix's No. 1 target

Extending Sutton isn't risk-free for the Broncos. The 2018 second-round pick turns 30 on Oct. 10, the point when wideouts can fade. But his close relationship with Nix may outweigh that concern. 

Nix and Sutton like spending time together. In an April Instagram post sponsored by FedEx, the WR-QB tandem offered Denver rookies care packages.

Nix also detailed why he has so much confidence in Sutton in November 2024.

"He's just reliable, he's just always there when you need him," the QB said, via ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "He's smart. He's savvy. He makes plays when the ball is in the air. You can trust him. When it's up in the air, it's his or nobody's. It's not going to be a pick." 

Sutton proved reliable for Nix throughout the 2024 season. The one-time Pro Bowler led the Broncos in targets (135), receptions (81), receiving yards (1,081) and touchdown catches (eight) in 17 regular-season games. 

Nix, meanwhile, tossed the league's sixth-most TD passes (29 in 17 starts), finishing third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. 

The Broncos' receiving corps lacks explosive playmakers. Except for Sutton, no Denver WR finished with more than 503 receiving yards last season. 

This offseason, the Broncos took Illinois WR Pat Bryant (pick No. 74) in the NFL Draft and signed TE Evan Engram to strengthen their passing attack. Engram made the Pro Bowl for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2023 season. 

Those moves may give Nix more options, but expect him to still lean heavily on his top weapon in 2025.