The Denver Broncos, sitting at a solid 5-3, have a tough decision to make as the trade deadline looms on November 5. With Courtland Sutton as a key trade candidate, the team faces a dilemma: hold on to their star receiver for a potential playoff push or trade him to leverage future assets.
Trade interest in Sutton has persisted, and SportsKeeda’s Tony Pauline reports a “50/50 chance” that the Broncos move the Pro Bowl receiver before the deadline. The Broncos have resisted trade offers for Sutton in the past, but this year’s strong receiver market could change that, especially with Sutton in good form. Through eight games, the 29-year-old has 377 yards and two touchdowns, including a 100-yard performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.
The Broncos’ receiving corps has taken hits, with WR2 Josh Reynolds on injured reserve following an injury and rookie Troy Franklin now stepping into a bigger role. Sutton’s departure would leave a substantial gap in their offense, particularly as QB Bo Nix continues to gain confidence. And for any young quarterback, having a reliable target like Sutton can make all the difference.
From a financial perspective, Sutton’s contract has been strategically restructured, setting up a manageable cap hit this season. But his 2025 salary could lead to a potential renegotiation or trade to relieve cap space and prepare for the future. Trading Sutton before the deadline would save $9.8 million against the cap after this season, yet it would also incur a hefty $19.5 million dead cap hit.
Sutton’s recent fumble at the goal line in the Broncos’ win over the Panthers drew criticism from head coach Sean Payton, who reminded the team of the stakes ahead. “We can’t turn the ball over the way we did offensively,” Payton emphasized. “When we play with bigger stakes against a better team, that [mistake] will cost you.”
Looking ahead, the Broncos face the high-powered Baltimore Ravens, who just added receiver Dionte Johnson in a trade. The Ravens’ defense has surrendered points this season, and the Broncos’ offense, led by Nix, could exploit those gaps. Sutton’s presence would be invaluable in such a matchup.
For Denver, the next game could be the deciding factor in Sutton’s future. If they come out on top against Baltimore, the Broncos might hold onto their star and aim for a postseason run. But a loss could lead to a reset, making a trade more likely. Whatever the decision, the Broncos have a pivotal choice that will shape their season — and Sutton’s future.
