Courtland Sutton Makes Surprise Offseason Return Amid Contract Talks and Rising Value

By Tony Adame | April 22, 2025

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – The Denver Broncos kicked off their 2025 offseason program with a pleasant surprise — the return of star wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who had previously skipped team activities in 2024 due to a contract dispute. This year, Sutton’s appearance at the first official team workout marks a significant change in tone, suggesting progress in what could become one of the offseason’s biggest contract storylines in the NFL.

Sutton, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $60.8 million extension signed in 2021, has one year and $14 million remaining on his current deal. His decision to attend voluntary workouts is especially notable given his tenuous contract status and rising market value, projected at nearly $80 million over three years by Spotrac.

“New Year, New Me”: A Shift in Energy for Sutton and the Broncos

The phrase “New Year, New Me” aptly describes Sutton’s mindset heading into 2025. After a standout 2024 season in which he posted a career-high 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, Sutton seems to be focused on taking his game — and his relationship with the Broncos — to the next level.

The difference from last year is striking. In 2024, Sutton opted to stay in Florida, sitting out the entire voluntary offseason program in protest of a contract he felt no longer reflected his value to the team. At the time, he had two years and $27.5 million left on his deal and had yet to fully capitalize on his Pro Bowl potential. Now, with just one year left and his market value soaring, he’s reengaging at a crucial time.

“Courtland Sutton was among those in attendance Monday at the team’s first workout of the new season,” reported Mike Klis of 9News Denver. “He’s actually in a more tenuous contract situation this year … but there is now much more kumbaya between the parties.”

A Cornerstone for the Broncos’ Offense

Sutton has long been considered a foundational piece of the Broncos’ offense, and his connection with rookie quarterback Bo Nix in 2024 only reinforced that belief. As Nix adjusted to the NFL game, Sutton emerged as his go-to target, providing stability and production during a season that culminated in Denver’s first playoff appearance since 2015.

Drafted in the second round (40th overall) in 2018 out of SMU, Sutton burst onto the scene early in his career. His 2019 season — 72 receptions, 1,112 yards, and six touchdowns — earned him his lone Pro Bowl nod to date. Since then, he has battled injuries and inconsistent quarterback play but returned to form in 2024.

What sets Sutton apart is his combination of size, athleticism, and route-running precision. At 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, he’s a physical mismatch for most defenders, and his ability to win contested catches has made him an invaluable red-zone target.

The Cost of Waiting: Denver Must Act Now

The Broncos face a critical decision with Sutton this offseason. While he may not command the top-tier $30 million-per-year contracts earned by players like Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams, his projected annual value of $26.6 million would still place him among the NFL’s Top 15 highest-paid receivers.

The longer the Broncos wait, the more Sutton’s value is likely to increase — especially if he replicates or surpasses his 2024 production in the coming season. An early extension could help the Broncos manage their salary cap, especially with Sutton’s 2025 cap hit projected at $20.2 million.

USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz highlighted the importance of locking Sutton in before it’s too late.

“Now, he likely wants more out of Denver given he’s due just $14 million next season,” Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. “An extension could shrink his $20.2 million cap hit for 2025 and ensure that Bo Nix’s top target will remain in place while the Broncos try to build up the roster’s skill-position talent.”

A New-Look Offense on the Horizon?

Sutton’s presence in offseason workouts is not just about dollars and cents. It signals a level of buy-in that could prove contagious across a Broncos roster filled with young talent and high expectations. With Bo Nix entering his second year, the coaching staff is eager to build continuity and chemistry on offense.

That effort may be supported in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Broncos hold the No. 20 overall pick. While the team’s most pressing need lies at running back, Denver may pivot to a “best player available” strategy if top targets like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton are off the board.

That could open the door for the Broncos to select a wide receiver in the first round — something they haven’t done since taking Jerry Jeudy at No. 15 overall in 2020. Adding a young, dynamic wideout to complement Sutton could give Nix a formidable receiving corps for years to come.

What Happens Next?

Sutton’s reappearance doesn’t guarantee an extension, but it does create positive momentum. The fact that both sides appear open to communication is a departure from last year’s impasse and suggests that the front office is aware of Sutton’s value on and off the field.

Broncos general manager George Paton, who signed Sutton to his current deal in 2021, has spoken highly of the veteran wideout in the past and could see him as a key piece in building around Bo Nix. While Denver remains cautious about long-term cap implications, securing Sutton would provide stability as the team continues its climb in the AFC.

Sutton, for his part, appears to be embracing his role as a leader.

“Courtland’s been through a lot here, and he’s always come back stronger,” head coach Sean Payton said in a brief statement. “He’s earned the respect of this locker room, and it’s good to have him back.”

Conclusion: A Win-Win in the Making?

Courtland Sutton’s surprise appearance at Broncos offseason workouts might just be the turning point in a contract saga that once looked contentious. If both sides can strike a deal, it would be a win-win: the Broncos retain a top offensive weapon during a pivotal stretch of development, and Sutton receives the long-term security his performance has warranted.

With a rising young quarterback, a solid foundation on defense, and a Pro Bowl-caliber wideout leading the way, the Broncos have a chance to build something special — but only if they move swiftly to secure one of their most valuable assets.

As the 2025 offseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on Sutton and the Broncos. One thing is clear: the price of waiting is only going up.