There were plenty of trade rumors following the Broncos’ receiving corps last year, but the team decided to release the Courtland Sutton-Jerry Jeudy duo for the fourth straight year. The team nearly traded Sutton to the Ravens last March, and Jewdy continued to fuel the rumors until the October deadline.
Although Sutton has had a huge impact on the team this season, the Broncos appear close to parting ways with this promising but inconsistent tandem. According to 9News’ Mike Cleese, the team is expected to move from either Sutton or Jewdy in 2024. Cap space will be an issue as the Broncos make their offseason plans. Denver is currently projected to bring in $24 million over the 2024 salary cap before free agency, according to OverTheCap.
Those numbers should be lower than Sean Payton’s Saints in his final season in New Orleans, but the veteran HC’s new team still has work to do. Denver’s wide receiver situation is back in the spotlight. Baltimore nearly acquired Sutton before moving on from Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency, but the Broncos’ offense has relied on the six-year veteran this season.
Sutton, a 2019 Pro Bowler struggling to return to form after suffering a torn ACL in 2020, played several key roles. Some of that helped the Broncos return to the playoffs with a five-game offseason streak. Denver’s passing attack relies on Sutton, but Jeudy hasn’t had a strong finish in 2022.
Despite the pair having the same result in the race, Sutton became an obvious target for Russell Wilson. The one-handed specialist rushed for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite the Broncos’ high regard for their 2020 first-round pick, Jewdy finished with 758 yards. That’s nearly 200 meters off his 2022 pace.
Denver wanted a first-round pick for Jewdy in the 2023 offseason, and the team sought a second-round pick for Sutton. Jeudy received an offer that included third- and fifth-round picks, but the Broncos rejected him. His inconsistency and 2024 price tag could dampen Denver’s demand this year.
