Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is one of the most popular names on the trade market. A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sutton solidified his position as the top option in Denver’s passing attack under Sean Payton. Appearing in 16 games, the wideout finished the season with 59 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns on 90 targets. Following his impressive campaign, Sutton has avoided the team while looking for more long-term financial security.
The Broncos claim they do not want to trade Courtland Sutton. While that may be true, the fact of the matter is that Denver took on a record amount of dead money to release Russell Wilson, traded Jerry Jeudy, released Justin Simmons, and selected a quarterback with the 12th-overall pick in the NFL Draft. This team is embracing a rebuild, and Sutton might not be a part of the long-term plans. While several teams should be interested in him, Bleacher Report‘s Matt Holder believes the Philadelphia Eagles should make a move for the one-time Pro Bowler.
Eagles Emerge As Surprise Suitor In Courtland Sutton Trade Talks
At first glance, it’s hard to see why the Philadelphia Eagles would trade for Courtland Sutton when they already have two high-priced wide receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, a deeper dive shows that this could be a good fit. Philadelphia lacks depth behind the two big-name players, especially following DeVante Parker’s retirement. From a play style standpoint, Sutton is a better version of Parker, so he could be a natural fit for Parker’s role in this offense.
Of course, the Philadelphia Eagles won’t be the only teams interested in a Courtland Sutton trade. Sutton isn’t Ja’Marr Chase, but he’s a legitimate WR1 with insane ball skills on the sideline and in the redzone. If the Broncos decide to move Sutton, look for these five teams to join the Eagles in the bidding war.
Other Potential Destinations
Buffalo Bills
June is finally here, which means the Bills received some much-needed salary cap relief from the Tre’Davious White release. Buffalo rebuilt their wide receiver depth chart overnight, replacing Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis with Curtis Samuel and second-round pick Keon Coleman. While an elite quarterback like Josh Allen can make it work with this supporting cast, this team could still use a legitimate target hog on the outside. Courtland Sutton is the ideal trade target, and his ability to outmuscle defenders at the catch point should pair well with Allen’s cannon of an arm.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers must find a Diontae Johnson replacement before the start of the season. Russell Wilson is better than Kenny Pickett, but the one-time Super Bowl champion isn’t the player he once was. George Pickens alone will not bring out the best in Wilson, but Courtland Sutton could do that in a trade. The two have an established connection from their time in Denver and adding him would make Wilson’s transition to Pittsburgh that much easier.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have two decent starters in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen paired with a high-risk, high-reward prospect in Xavier Legette. While this trio is substantially better than last year’s grouping, there is still room for improvement. Back in Alabama, Bryce Young possessed one of the best deep balls in the nation. That skill hasn’t transferred to the NFL in large part because he’s never had someone capable of winning contested matchups on the outside. A Courtland Sutton trade will change that and could bring out the best in the former first-overall pick.
Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers are legitimate weapons, and former first-round pick Rashod Bateman appears ready to see an increased role. This will be one of the best offenses in football, but they could still use a perimeter weapon capable of making big plays down the field. Courtland Sutton is the man for the job, and a trade could be the final piece to put this team in the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Chargers
Would the Broncos ever trade Courtland Sutton to a division rival? Who knows, but if any team could pull off a deal, it’s the Chargers. Los Angeles has the worst collection of pass-catchers in the league, as second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the only wideout on the team with any sort of realistic upside. Justin Herbert is phenomenal, but the Chargers must provide him with another weapon if they want to keep up with the elite offenses of the AFC. Sutton is one of the best options still available and is a natural fit for the Mike Williams role in this offense.
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