The Denver Broncos have fallen on tough times, and that is putting it lightly. A team like the Cleveland Browns could consider taking advantage of that fact.
The Broncos have gotten off to a horrific 0-3 start this season, most recently suffering an embarrassing 70-20 loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday.
As a result, Denver could be a major factor in the looming Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, as it could ultimately sell off some key pieces in the coming weeks.
One such piece could be wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
A few years ago, Sutton looked primed to become one of the best receivers in football. Back in 2019 during his second NFL season, Sutton hauled in 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
The following year, Sutton tore his ACL two weeks into the season, and it has been an uphill battle for the 27-year-old ever since.
While Sutton remains a productive wide out, he has not come close to replicating his 2019 production. In his first season back from the knee injury in 2021, Sutton caught 58 passes for 776 yards and a couple of scores, and last year, he snared 64 balls for 829 yards and two touchdowns.
Solid numbers, but hardly elite.
Sutton’s contract does not expire until 2025, so Denver doesn’t have to be in any rush to trade him, but he is making $15.2 million this season and is set to earn another $28.9 million over the next two years.
It might behoove the Broncos to get out from under his contract and recoup some value for him now.
The Browns could be an interesting landing spot given their solid 2-1 start. The Browns have a nice group of receivers led by Amari Cooper, but they could always use an extra weapon for Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland could send a 2024 second-round draft pick and a fourth-rounder to Denver in exchange for Courtland Sutton, which would be a pretty fine haul for the Broncos and provide them with a couple of draft assets to help retool the roster.
