The Denver Broncos have built a receiver group with real depth, and that kind of strength can sometimes create a strange kind of problem. When there are enough targets to go around, even a proven veteran can end up in trade chatter.
That’s the lane ESPN’s Ben Solak stepped into on September 29, when he floated the idea that the Los Angeles Rams could come calling for Courtland Sutton. Solak pointed to Denver’s growing collection of pass catchers around quarterback Bo Nix and suggested the Broncos might have enough flexibility to even consider moving Sutton, who has put together 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?”
That thought gains traction because Denver keeps adding options. Jaylen Waddle and rookie Pat Bryant have taken on larger roles, and third-year receiver Troy Franklin gives Sean Payton another piece to work with. Sutton is still one of the team’s most reliable weapons, but the Broncos’ depth gives them room to imagine different receiver combinations.
Sutton’s production is not in question. He has gone over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two regular seasons, and that kind of steady output is exactly what Solak believes Los Angeles needs. In his view, the Rams are looking for “a steady producer who can eat volume if needed.”
The discussion also comes against the backdrop of Denver’s playoff letdown last season. Sutton finished with seven catches for 70 yards across two playoff games, including three receptions for 17 yards in the AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots.
After that defeat, Payton made sweeping changes to his offensive staff, firing 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.
Payton also singled out the receivers’ mistakes after the loss. “We didn’t finish some runs, and we dropped some passes. Again, felt like that was a problem all year,” Payton said.
For now, Sutton remains central to Denver’s offense. But Solak’s idea puts a spotlight on the Broncos’ crowded receiver room and the possibility that a veteran star could become a real trade candidate if the right deal comes along.
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Matthew Stafford Sparked A Broncos Debate With His Tunnel Exit
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Stafford had just put together a big passing night in the loss, throwing for 390 yards and two touchdowns, but he also turned it over twice. For Denver, the on-field result was the headline, yet the tunnel clip added a little extra edge to a game that was already going to be picked over from every angle. [Read more 🡒]
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For the Broncos, the larger takeaway is that Bryant was productive beyond that one controversial snap. He caught multiple passes and scored a touchdown, giving Denver another useful piece in a game that swung on a handful of high-leverage plays. Still, the late flag is the kind of moment that tends to linger, especially when it directly helped set up the comeback finish. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Just Found A Huge AFC West Opportunity
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Justin Herbert has drawn criticism for some of his decision-making, while Jim Harbaugh has been publicly supportive and demanding at the same time, trying to push more from his quarterback and the team around him. There have also been signs of friction inside the locker room, with Derwin James calling out the sloppiness. Denver does not need a rival collapse to be perfect, but this is the sort of early opening contenders watch closely. [Read more 🡒]