ENGLEWOOD – Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton addressed several key topics during a Zoom call with the media ahead of the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. As the Broncos prepare to kick off the regular season in Seattle, Payton provided insights into the roster, including trade rumors, the selection of team captains, and the challenges of facing a team with new coaching staff.

Courtland Sutton Trade Rumors

One of the most pressing topics was the recent media reports suggesting that the Broncos had received trade offers for wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Payton downplayed these rumors, explaining that while there have been calls from multiple teams regarding Sutton, the discussions never advanced to the level reported by the media.

“He’s a good football player,” Payton said. “It’s a little bit of a stretch relative to the specifics. I read the same thing you read, and I would say we didn’t get nearly as far down the road as what may have been reported. It’s insignificant.”

Payton emphasized that it would be “ludicrous” to comment on every call that comes into the front office, making it clear that Sutton remains an integral part of the Broncos’ plans.

Inside Linebacker Additions and Injury Updates

The Broncos have been focused on strengthening their roster, particularly at the inside linebacker position. Payton highlighted the acquisition of inside linebacker Kristian Welch, a player who caught the coaching staff’s attention during joint practices and the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

“We still felt like inside linebacker was an area of need for us,” Payton explained. “He was someone that stood out on film…just the body of work for that player.”

Payton also provided an update on former Broncos inside linebacker Jonas Griffith, who was released following the discovery of a more significant issue with his ACL. Despite the unexpected news, Payton assured that the organization would “do right by the player” and ensure Griffith receives proper care.

Preparing for Seattle’s New Coaching Staff

As the Broncos prepare to face the Seahawks, Payton acknowledged the challenge of playing a team with a new head coach and coordinators. Seattle’s coaching changes add an element of unpredictability to the game, making it crucial for the Broncos to rely on individual player tape from last season and this year’s preseason.

“Week 1 often brings these types of games where there are coaching changes,” Payton noted. “We just finished talking about it as a team. If you’re looking specifically at the tape to study individuals, then all of last year’s film is relevant [and] certainly the preseason this year.”

Quarterback and Team Captains

The starting quarterback position remains a topic of interest, especially with rookie Bo Nix set to make his first NFL start in one of the league’s most challenging environments—Seattle’s Lumen Field. Payton acknowledged the difficulties that Nix may face but expressed confidence in his abilities, drawing comparisons to the challenges faced by past quarterbacks under his tutelage.

“There are certain skill sets he has [and] strengths and weaknesses,” Payton said of Nix. “Hopefully we build on the strengths and then really minimize the things maybe that a young player might face to open up the start of the season.”

Payton also mentioned that the team captains would be chosen in the coming days, with an announcement expected before the first game. The selection process has been part of the team’s routine as they prepare for the regular season.

Looking Ahead to Week 1

As the Broncos gear up for their season opener, Payton emphasized the importance of getting off to a fast start and the benefits of the team’s preseason schedule, which mirrored the regular season’s rhythm.

“We’re all kind of creatures of habit. We like a routine,” Payton said. “I do like how the preseason unfolded with the games on every seventh day. That worked out pretty well.”

With the season opener just days away, the Broncos are focused on making a strong start in what promises to be a loud and challenging environment in Seattle. Payton’s confidence in his team’s preparation and the roster they’ve assembled suggests that Denver is ready to compete at a high level from the outset.