Could the Chicago Bears look to trade for this Bronco instead?
There are many wide receivers rumored to be on the trade block. We have seen many switch teams over the last two years and rumors are that we could see more on the move this offseason. The Chicago Bears should be looking into a few of them — especially some of the younger guys like Jerry Jeudy who is coming off his rookie contract in 2023. However, another name that has now hit the rumor mill is Courtland Sutton.
Look, I wanted Courtland Sutton on the Bears roster in 2022. He was scheduled to hit free agency last offseason but the Broncos extended him to a four-year deal worth $60.8 million dollars. The contract included $34.9 million in guaranteed money and kept him on the roster through the 2025 season. Sutton was coming off an ACL tear but the Broncos did not let him go.
The offseason is a time when many people in the business look to find the next hot story. Many times, there are players names floated out there by teams to see what kind of return they might receive. Players’ agents tend to do the same type of thing. Is that what is happening here or is Lindsay Jones of the Ringer looking to spark a conversation that isn’t likely to blow back in her face at any point? Jones made the following comments on a recent podcast episode of The Audible.
"“There’s been some buzz around in Denver could Sutton get traded… his name has been buzzing around a little bit as a guy who could maybe get moved.”"
Could the Chicago Bears buy low on Courtland Sutton?
I’m not sure what Lindsay Jones is hearing, but she’s a reputable journalist with sources within the NFL. I’m sure someone is putting this information out there and I’m sure the team is looking to move either Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton. The way Sutton’s contract was written, moving on from him via trade actually allows the Broncos to save some money. The team would save just under $7 million dollars and pay $11 million in dead cap. Moving on from Jeudy doesn’t save them anything, but he’s the guy I’d prefer out of Denver.
Sutton has not been the same since he tore his ACL in 2020. He had 776 yards and two touchdowns in 2021 and 829 yards with two touchdowns in 2022. He wasn’t helped by the quarterback play in Denver, but his numbers are not great and could end up keeping his price lower — perfect for Ryan Poles.
Sutton is better than the numbers he’s put up the last two years and trading for him would give the Chicago Bears control for the next three years with outs in 2024 or 2025. Rumors are the Broncos wanted a second and a fourth for Jeudy last year leading up to the NFL trade deadline. At only 23 and with the promise, he has shown I completely understand that draft capital. Sutton is 27 and will be 28 in October. He shouldn’t cost more than a second-rounder — the same as what the Bears gave up for Chase Claypool. Honestly, I’d think he could be had for even less.
My fear is that he’s too similar to Chase Claypool, but how much would you give up for Courtland Sutton, if anything?