Extension talks between wide receiver Courtland Sutton and the Denver Broncos appear to be in a much better place than they were a year ago.
Sutton, whose contract is up after this season, gave an update on discussions for a long-term deal on Saturday.
"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," he told the Denver Post. "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.
"I'm open and optimistic about the fact that I'll be able to be here for the rest of my career."
Last offseason, Sutton skipped voluntary organized team activities as he sought an extension commensurate with his production before attending all mandatory sessions and eventually agreeing to a restructure and boost in pay just before training camp got underway.
The short-term solution worked out for both sides.
Sutton posted career highs in targets (135) and receptions (81), which he turned into 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns. He was far and away rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite target, besting the next-best Denver pass catcher in yards by over 500. The season culminated in the Broncos breaking through to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
With the future so bright in Denver, it makes sense to have extra motivation to get an extension done that ensures Sutton is a part of it. Heading into his age-30 season, he's the trusty veteran in a Broncos WR room comprised of potential up-and-comers like Devaughn Vele, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin. Sutton should also form a valuable one-two punch with new tight end Evan Engram.
It's a group capable of helping Nix build off the promise of 2024, and no one, including Sutton, wants any type of contract squabble to get in the way of such momentum.
"One of the biggest things is the season we had last year was amazing, and leaning into that and wanting to build on that and not wanting to take any steps back from that, I think the offseason is a big part of that," Sutton said. "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."
Time will tell when Sutton and the front office heading in the right direction winds up at a destination both are happy with.
