Broncos WR Courtland Sutton Sounds Off Publicly on Viral Trade Rumors
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has refocused his new players. While that endeavor remains an ongoing project, the attitude adjustment has been fast and furious.
When you consider that wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been floated countless times this offseason as potential trade bait, you might think he'd be harboring some hurt feelings.
However, Sutton quashed any such notion on Thursday, sounding instead very much like a man who deals only in positive vibes.
“It’s flattering that other teams see me as a guy that can come in and be a guy for them," Sutton said following OTA practice. "I love that I’m here. This is where ultimately you guys know that I want to be at. This is home. I’ve been able to come here and continue to build the things we’re aspiring to get to. Coach Payton coming in, bringing the coaches in that he’s brought in, bringing the guys in that he’s brought in. Everybody’s bought in and ready to take this thing to the next level.”
Sutton is on a mission to prove that it's never too late to be learning new tricks of the trade, even entering Year 6. His thirst for knowledge has been evidenced by digging up tape of New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas — aka 'The Slant God.'
“It’s interesting. I actually just got—not too long ago—maybe a week or two ago, I just got Michael Thomas’ 2019 targets from his year that he broke the record," Sutton said. "Just diving into it. [I’ve] been able to see how he may have ran a route that we are learning right now. Figuring out ways to be able to get open because, obviously, he had a really good year that year. So, to be able to find ways to implement the things he did well into my game, I feel like we’re going to have a lot of success.”
Considering that Payton will be digging deep into his tried-and-true box of tricks, it makes perfect sense for Sutton to be doing his homework. Given the height and similar body type he shares with Thomas, Sutton could be used in a similar role within the Denver offense, so viewing his current situation as a blessing is a sensible outlook.
It all provides ever more proof that Payton's teachings are hitting home, and part of that is turning the page on unnecessary negatives, including lingering on the past.
"Coach has been super transparent with us about his expectations for us, from the weight room to practice, the meetings, to even when we get ready to leave for this small break before training camp," Sutton said of Payton. "He’s been super transparent, and I think everyone has been appreciative of that. Him letting us know what his expectations are of us. I think everyone has bought into it and looking forward to doing everything we have to do to get us to the next level.”
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