NFL Rumors: Courtland Sutton Skips Broncos' Voluntary Workouts to Seek New Contract

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is reportedly eyeing a new contract.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that Sutton skipped his team's voluntary workouts on Monday "as he seeks a new contract." While the wide receiver is signed through the 2025 campaign and is slated to make $13 million in base salary during the upcoming season, Pelissero noted he has just $2 million in guarantees remaining on his deal.

Mike Klis of 9News later reported Sutton had offseason ankle surgery after being injured in the season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Klis added it "doesn't seem" like the Broncos or Sutton are concerned about the injury and that the wide receiver "has been working out daily."

Contracts for the wide receiver position were under the spotlight Monday when NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a three-year, $75 million extension with DeVonta Smith.

That contract features $51 million in guarantees and came before playmakers such as Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Ja'Marr Chase could be in line for new deals in the near future.

As for Sutton, he hasn't exactly played in an ideal situation for a wide receiver since Denver selected him with a second-round pick in 2018.

Pelissero highlighted that he is in line to catch passes from a 10th starting quarterback in seven seasons. Yet he has remained productive and tallied 59 catches for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

He was also a Pro Bowler in 2019 with 72 catches for 1,112 yards, which were both career-best numbers. While he was limited to just one game the following season in 2020 because of a torn ACL, he has bounced back nicely and remained a key part of the Broncos' aerial attack even with plenty of uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Denver moved on from quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason and could look to select a signal-caller on draft day.

Still, that quarterback uncertainty won't go anywhere whether it is a rookie or Jarrett Stidham under center in 2024. Sutton will be even more important as a safety valve and go-to option after the AFC West team traded fellow wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns this offseason.

Any chance the Broncos have at surprising and contending with the reigning-champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West likely comes down to Sutton playing at a high level during the upcoming campaign.

He surely knows that and wants to be paid accordingly with a new contract.