5 players the Broncos could trade to reload 2023 draft picks

2. Courtland Sutton, WR ($18.26M cap hit in 2023)

It would be painful to see the Denver Broncos part ways with Courtland Sutton just over a year after giving him a contract extension, but it’s not impossible. At this point, it might just be better for the Broncos to ride this thing out and see if Sutton can really rebound with Sean Payton calling the shots and pulling the strings in the head coaches chair.

But at what cost?

There could be other receivers available to the Denver Broncos in 2023. Players like Michael Thomas, Brandin Cooks, DeAndre Hopkins, and others have been thrown around as options. If the Broncos decide to move forward with Courtland Sutton as a main focal point for the offense, there is some inherent risk to that at this point.

Sutton has not returned to his 2019 form since the ACL injury he suffered in Pittsburgh back in 2020. That’s not to say he’s looked bad physically, it’s just that we haven’t seen the ball-dominant receiver he was almost four years ago.

Sutton’s lack of progression these past couple of seasons has resulted in wide receiver being a much bigger need than fans are willing to admit about this roster. Could the Broncos just ride it out with what they have at receiver in 2023? Absolutely, and a lot of fans in Broncos Country would be thrilled with how the unit looks on paper, especially given the fact that Tim Patrick is coming back from injury.

But with alternatives available in free agency or through other trades, the Broncos might consider getting what they can for Sutton this offseason. It’s never ideal to sell low on a player but if Sean Payton wants one or both of his guys (Thomas, Cooks) in 2023, it makes sense to get what you can for Sutton.

Trading Sutton would cause over $11 million in dead money but would save the Broncos over $6 million as well.