Chiefs Rival Throws Away Star WR in Blockbuster Projected Trade

The Denver Broncos and star WR Courtland Sutton are at a bit of an impasse with Sutton seeking a long-term extension and Denver not yet honoring that request.

There's talk of a potential holdout into training camp, and one blockbuster projected trade from Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report sees the Broncos punting on Sutton's situation for draft capital and a high-upside player.

Considering Denver just reached for QB Bo Nix and lost Jerry Jeudy this offseason, sending Sutton away for a limited return would leave Nix's supporting cast in dire straits.

Blockbuster Projected Trade Costs Broncos WR Courtland WR

Getting a pair of third-round picks and a promising receiver in Atwell, the former second-round pick who had 483 yards last year, is fine value in a vacuum. However, robbing Nix of a bonafide No. 1 receiver like Sutton stints his development, hurting the entire team.

Knox argues, "Dealing wideout Courtland Sutton, who has two years remaining on his contract, could give Denver the draft capital needed to help bolster Nix's future supporting cast. Denver isn't looking to trade Sutton, according to Mike Klis of 9 News Denver, but that could change if the right offer comes along. In this hypothetical scenario, the Broncos flip Sutton—who hasn't had a 1,000-yard campaign since 2019—for a pair of third-round picks and 24-year-old receiver Tutu Atwell."

If the Broncos take the long view, the trade could pay dividends. I don't think they have that luxury, though. Nix is already 24 years old. Why send a 28-year-old top-flight receiver away when your quarterback needs to produce quickly to deliver on his draft capital?

While he hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since 2019, Sutton scored 10 TDs last year and has been held down by poor quarterback play. If Nix is worth his draft cost, Sutton's numbers will improve and Denver will be happy they kept him. If Nix isn't worth it, having a receiver of Sutton's caliber becomes even more important.

This trade would certainly shake up the league, as Knox argues, but I don't think it's worth it for the Broncos.

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