There aren’t many wide receivers left in the NFL free agency. So, with the Pittsburgh Steelers still looking for a wideout, analysts have linked the team to a variety of prospects via trade rumors. On April 12, Steelers Now’s Nick Farabaugh identified Denver Broncos wideout Courtland Sutton as a potential trade target for the Steelers.
“The Broncos are not in this thing to win it this year; in fact, they might be looking to try to bounce to the top of the draft board for the 2025 season,” he wrote. “But Courtland Sutton has the Russell Wilson and profiles as the contested catch, big-bodied guy that the team was looking to add when Mike Williams was targeted.”
Sutton played with Russell Wilson in Denver in 2022 and 2023. Sutton had at least 59 receptions and 770 receiving yards in both of those seasons.
In 2023, Sutton led the Broncos with ten receiving touchdowns. He had scored only 14 touchdowns in his first five NFL seasons.
Sutton agreed to a four-year, $60.8 million contract extension, which began after his rookie deal expired in 2021. That contract will last until the 2025 season.
Why Could the Steelers Trade for WR Courtland Sutton?
It’s not hard to see why the Steelers would be interested in Sutton. George Pickens is the lone receiver on Pittsburgh’s roster who has at least 209 receiving yards last season.
Since moving Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers have signed Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. However, Jefferson and Watkins combined for only 351 receiving yards in 2023.
If acquired in a trade, Sutton could easily be Pittsburgh’s second starting wideout next season, opposite Pickens. Sutton has recorded at least 700 receiving yards in five of his six NFL seasons. In the one he didn’t, Sutton sustained a season-ending injury in Week 2.
Sutton earned the Pro Bowl in his second season, in 2019. That year, he had 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns.
His previous experience with Wilson should only benefit the Steelers.
The Broncos may be willing to part with Sutton because they are in full rebuild mode after dismissing Wilson this offseason. Sutton will turn 29 this season, so he is unlikely to be part of Denver’s long-term rebuilding plans.
If the Broncos decide to offload Sutton, it may be at a very reasonable price. This offseason, veteran wide receivers have not been in high demand on the trade market.
Other Potential WR Trade Candidates for the Steelers
The Steelers’ receiver options are often restricted because the major talents have already signed in free agency. However, Farabaugh mentioned five potential targets, including Sutton.
Farabaugh also mentioned Brandon Aiyuk, Tyler Lockett, and Treylon Burks as potential receiving trade targets for Pittsburgh.
Aiyuk is the most famous of the group, but he is also likely to be the most expensive. Lockett, like Sutton, has past experience with Wilson. Burks is intriguing as a former first-round draft prospect who has struggled to remain healthy throughout his career.
The sixth option offered by Farabaugh was either Robert Woods or John Metchie from the Houston Texans. The Texans might leave with either after acquiring Stefon Diggs.
Of all the possibilities, Sutton seemed to make the most sense. He would not cost as much as Aiyuk, but he has more potential than Woods and more experience than Burks. Lockett also offers those things, but it is unclear whether he will be available.
It’s likely that the Steelers will profit from Denver’s willingness to part ways with a veteran contributor.
