Jets Trade Idea: Broncos' Receiver Courtland Sutton?
Both Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets have openly admitted the team would be looking to add a receiver during the 2024 offseason.
Could Denver Broncos wideout Courtland Sutton be the answer to the Jets questions opposite Garrett Wilson?
Oct 23, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
To undestand why the Jets would trade for a player like Sutton, we have to quickly look back at the disaster the 2023 season was for New York and their passing attack. After losing Aaron Rodgers four plays into the regular season opener, backup quarterback Zach Wilson struggled to maintain a level of consistency under center.
Of course, he wasn't helped by the receiving core outside of former Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson. Outside of Wilson's second straight 1,000-yard season, no Jets wideout recorded over 350 yards receiving or over 30 catches. Allen Lazard, the team's big free agent signing at the position, was benched late in the year due to ineffective play.
In short, another competent receiver beside Wilson is incredibly important to the Jets this offseason.
Sutton and the Broncos provide a unique alternative if Gang Green can't get one in free agency.
Denver released star safety Justin Simmons Wednesday morning, and (according to Broncos Beat Reporter Ben Allbright) may not be done with their tear-down. Should the Broncoss be looking to offload players in the hopes of a rebuild, top players could hit the open market or be traded.
Sutton, entering the potential final year of his $60 million deal with the Broncos, could be traded for draft capital to a team in desperate need of a big-play wideout. In six seasons at Mile High, the former second-round pick has totaled close to 300 career catches, over 4,000 yards receiving, and 24 touchdowns. His 14.3 yards per reception details a player who can get deep quickly, while making acrobatic catches with his 6-4 frame.
The kind of receiver Rodgers has always been partial to.
While Sutton would be a quality second option as a receiver for New York, the debate over compensation going back to Denver is where this deal either gets made or killed.
While Denver could be looking to move former first-round pick Jerry Jeudy, the cost for Sutton would be a lot less with some wondering if a third and sixth-round pick would be enough. Should the Broncos look for a mid to late round pick, the Jets with two fourth-rounders in 2024 could be a team that would offer a fair package for the big-play wideout.
New York also owns each of their draft picks in the 2025 draft - a sign that a 2024 fourth, and a 2025 fifth-rounder could be enough capital to facilitate a move.
The Jets understand that competing for a championship is the only thing that matters this upcoming season. The front office should do everything in their power to make sure that happens.
If that means mortgaging a little bit of their future capital to bring in a win-now player this offseason is possible, then they need to do that without any concern.
