Report: unexpected free agent signing who was expected to be the Eagles’ jump-ball specialist this season
Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver with the Denver Broncos, is causing trade rumors by missing the team’s optional organized team activities (OTAs). Is it possible that the Philadelphia Eagles could be a trade partner?
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, yes.
“Denver will most likely need a year or two to establish itself as a serious playoff contender. Holder wrote on May 30 that it might make sense to obtain draft picks for an aging veteran seeking a new contract, particularly since trade speculations will only get more intense if the Broncos falter out of the gate.
With around $26.8 million in cap space now available, the Philadelphia Eagles are in fifth place in the NFL. DeVante Parker, an unexpected free agent signing who was expected to be the Eagles’ jump-ball specialist this season, unexpectedly retired in mid-May.
Josh Buckhalter of Heavy pointed out that Jeremy Fowler said on the May 18 edition of “SportsCenter” that there has been “no real progress” this offseason between Sutton and the Broncos over a contract extension. Sutton would like to finalize a new contract, having signed a four-year, $60 million agreement with Denver in 2021.
That leaves some room for other clubs to show interest in the Broncos wide receiver, even though it doesn’t guarantee that progress won’t be made. Following Parker’s retirement, Philly will probably want to get more wide receiver assistance. Holder said, “Sutton could take that position and combine with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to form a potent trio of wideouts as Philadelphia looks to win another Super Bowl.”
Sutton has been a member of the Broncos for each of his six NFL seasons. After collecting 72 catches for 1,112 yards (15.4 yards per reception) and six touchdowns in 2019, he was selected for the Pro Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound veteran caught 59 catches for 772 yards (13.1 yards per catch) and 10 touchdowns in 16 games (14 starts) during the previous season.
The 28-year-old Sutton would “like to see” his $13.6 million contract go to the “$15-$16 million range” for the next season, according to Fowler. The Eagles might not be willing to spend that much, especially considering the extensions they have previously given to players in that position.
So, while unlikely, a trade for Sutton is plausible.
A Closer Examining of the Funds
This offseason, the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman have been very busy, especially with regard to contract extensions.
They also signed top wide receiver A.J. Brown to a three-year, $96 million contract. Wideout DeVonta Smith signed a three-year, $75 million ($51 million guaranteed) agreement. The total 2024 salary of Smith and Brown will be slightly over $20 million, according to Over the Cap. This year, they could afford to have one more wideout in the mix.
Having said that, Smith and Brown will receive raises going forward. The 2024 cap hit for Brown is somewhat less than $12 million, but it soars to $17.6 million in 2025 and $23.5 million in 2026. This season, Smith’s $8.1 million cap hit will remain at $7.6 million in 2025 but increase to $10.7 million in 2026.
Would Philadelphia really want to pay another wideout north of $13–14 million a year, given the team’s present financial commitment? That is improbable.
Even still, Eagles Nation is thrilled to think of a receiver the size of Sutton in addition to the playmakers on Philly’s current system. Philly may be a possibility if Sutton would be willing to play for a little less money in order to join a contender.
