Broncos Could Shock NFL By Trading $92 Million Pro Bowler To Rams
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Denver Broncos have plenty of talent at wide receiver under head coach Sean Payton. But having so many good options might actually turn one of their top players into trade bait.
ESPN’s Ben Solak thinks the Los Angeles Rams could call Denver looking for help at receiver. After the Broncos beat Los Angeles in Week 3, Solak suggested the Rams might go for Courtland Sutton, who’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2024 and 2025.
“Despite the fact that the Rams traded almost an entire year’s worth of picks for two players, they’re still in a position at which one more trade makes sense: specifically, for a pass catcher,” Solak wrote on September 29. “Could Courtland Sutton be available from the Broncos, who are moving to a bigger diet of Jaylen Waddle and Pat Bryant?”
Broncos Have Options At Receiver
The idea comes as Denver continues to add more talent around quarterback Bo Nix. Jaylen Waddle and rookie Pat Bryant now have bigger roles, while third-year receiver Troy Franklin also gives Payton another option.
That could create a tough situation for Sutton. The veteran has remained one of Denver’s top targets, but the Broncos have enough depth to consider different combinations at receiver.
Sutton also brings a strong recent track record. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two regular seasons. That production fits what Solak believes the Rams need.
Los Angeles could use another reliable target who can handle a large workload. Solak specifically said the Rams need “a steady producer who can eat volume if needed.”
Denver’s recent playoff disappointment adds another layer to the discussion. Sutton caught seven passes for 70 yards across two playoff games last season. He caught three passes for 17 yards in the AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots.
Payton then made major changes to his offensive staff. He fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and wide receivers coach Keary Colbert. He promoted Davis Webb to offensive coordinator and took over playcalling duties for the first time in his career.
After the loss, Payton also pointed to mistakes from his receivers.
“We didn’t finish some runs, and we dropped some passes. Again, felt like that was a problem all year,” Payton said.
The Broncos have since moved forward, and Sutton remains an important part of the offense. Still, Solak’s proposal raises an interesting question about Denver’s crowded receiver room and whether the team could eventually consider moving its veteran star.
