In this photo taken with a fisheye lens, fans cheer following the singing of the national anthem before the kickoff at an NFL football divisional playoff game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)
As the Denver Broncos integrate first-round pick Bo Nix at quarterback, one of his most dynamic targets is absent from the team’s voluntary offseason program.
Broncos star wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is seeking a new long-term contract extension, has notably missed the team’s initial 16 offseason workouts and was absent as the Broncos entered phase II of the program, according to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver.
“It’s 100 percent voluntary,” Broncos general manager George Paton remarked three weeks ago at a pre-draft press conference. “Sean has talked to Courtland; I’ve talked to Courtland. He’s in a good place, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
Klis notes that Sutton has two years left on his contract, with about $13.1 million — $2 million of which is fully guaranteed — due in 2024, and $13.5 million in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.
Last season, Sutton led the team with 10 touchdown catches, the fourth most in the NFL. Over his six-year career, he has amassed 298 receptions for 4,259 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Having Sutton present would be valuable for the young quarterback Nix during the critical spring period leading up to minicamp, training camp, and the regular season. However, until a resolution is reached, Sutton appears likely to remain absent, with his name continuing to feature in trade rumors.
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