DENVER — Courtland Sutton has made it clear: he wants to be a Denver Bronco for life.

After a resurgent 2024 season that saw him lead the team in nearly every major receiving category and help break the franchise’s eight-year playoff drought, Sutton is now hoping the organization rewards his consistency with long-term stability.

“My team has had a really good conversation with the guys up there in the front office, and I think it’s working in the right direction,” Sutton told The Denver Post over the weekend. “Ultimately, you just want to know you’re working in the right direction. I think they see and have seen what I’ve brought to the team.”

That sentiment marks a much different tone from a year ago, when Sutton skipped voluntary OTAs while seeking an extension that reflected his value. Though he eventually reported for mandatory minicamp and agreed to a short-term restructure that increased his 2024 base salary, it was widely viewed as a temporary fix. Now, both sides seem more aligned on finding a long-term solution.

Career Year Comes at the Right Time

Sutton delivered a career-best performance in 2024, posting 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns on 135 targets. The 6-foot-4 veteran became rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s most reliable weapon, finishing the season with more than 500 receiving yards than the next closest Bronco.

His chemistry with Nix, combined with the Broncos’ renewed offensive identity under Sean Payton, helped fuel Denver’s first playoff appearance since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015.

“One of the biggest things is the season we had last year was amazing,” Sutton said. “Leaning into that and wanting to build on that and not wanting to take any steps back—I think the offseason is a big part of that.”

With the team building around Nix and continuity on offense being a clear priority, Sutton’s leadership and production have taken on even greater value. He enters his age-30 season as the established presence in a young wide receiver room that includes Devaughn Vele, Marvin Mims Jr., and rookie Troy Franklin. Tight end Evan Engram, acquired this offseason, is expected to complement Sutton as a red-zone option and vertical threat.

A Veteran Voice in a New Era

While the Broncos’ offensive core continues to evolve, Sutton’s consistency offers a stabilizing force. Since being drafted in the second round in 2018, the former SMU standout has become one of the team’s most dependable players, despite a torn ACL that cost him nearly all of the 2020 season.

He bounced back with 776 yards in 2021 and has steadily rebuilt his form since, culminating in last season’s standout campaign. His ability to create separation, win contested catches, and produce in high-leverage moments has become invaluable to Denver’s passing game.

His presence also gives Nix a veteran target to lean on as the rookie continues to acclimate to NFL defenses.

“And then obviously us having a quarterback—man, going into the offseason knowing, ‘This is going to be our quarterback of the future’—being able to build on that and having that consistency and that foundation already set going into the offseason is amazing,” Sutton said.

Broncos Face a Decision

Sutton’s current contract, signed in 2021, is set to expire after the 2025 season. However, with no guaranteed money remaining and Sutton’s cap hit set to rise, both he and the team recognize now as a logical window to work out an extension.

The challenge will be striking a balance between Sutton’s value and the team’s cap flexibility as Denver tries to build around its young quarterback. Still, given Sutton’s recent production and his stated desire to remain in Denver long-term, the mutual interest is evident.

“I’m open and optimistic about the fact that I’ll be able to be here for the rest of my career,” Sutton said.

For the Broncos, extending Sutton could send a strong message about culture and continuity in an era where both are often fleeting. It would also ensure that Nix continues to grow with the same trusted playmaker who helped guide him through a promising rookie campaign.

Looking Ahead

Sutton’s optimism is an encouraging sign for a franchise eager to maintain its offensive momentum. With Sean Payton’s system taking root, a full offseason for Nix to develop, and a young core forming, keeping a high-performing veteran like Sutton in-house could be a critical next step.

The Broncos have made several calculated roster moves in recent years, but few players have matched Sutton’s combination of performance, leadership, and locker room presence.

As extension talks continue, the hope in Denver is that a deal will get done—one that rewards Sutton’s loyalty and production, while keeping one of Nix’s most trusted weapons in orange and blue for years to come.