Denver Broncos News, Schedule, Stats and Roster - USA TODAY Sports (2024)

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The Broncos aren't currently shopping Sutton, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

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Sutton has been named as a potential trade target for the Jets, though it appears the Broncos aren't willing to completely turn over their wide receiver corps after dealing Jerry Jeudy. Sutton's currently in line to be the team's top pass catcher in 2024, though it's unclear who will be delivering passes to him following the release of Russell Wilson. As for the Jets, they're looking for a reliable second receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, though they may need to rely on free agency or the draft to find one.

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Wilson had his turn to work with the first-team offense skipped Tuesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Throughout the offseason and at the start of training camp, each of Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Wilson had alternated days with the first-team offense. Tuesday would have been Wilson's turn, but instead, it was Stidham with the starters. Coach Sean Payton did not acknowledge any change in the quarterback competition, though it appears as though Wilson has fallen behind.

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Nix is showing a lot more poise and polish than a typical rookie to begin training camp, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

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The 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft was viewed as the most NFL-ready quarterback in a deep class, having started 61 college games, and Nix has demonstrated an aptitude for processing information that reflects his experience level. He's also shown a quick release and good accuracy, traits that make him an excellent fit for coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Jarrett Stidham's efficiency and consistency may still have him in the lead for the Week 1 starting job, but Nix could move past him once preseason action begins.

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Sutton had $1.5 million in incentives added to his 2024 base salary Thursday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Sutton already had a $13 million base salary locked in for the coming season, along with $500,000 worth of roster bonuses. However, he was still seeking a raise in some form and had reported to camp on time with the rest of veterans, following that up by participating in both of the team's first two practices. Sutton projects to serve as the Broncos' clear-cut No. 1 receiver in 2024 following the offseason trade of Jerry Jeudy to the Browns.

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Williams checked it at around 220 pounds at the start of training camp Wednesday, having slimmed down in the offseason at the request of head coach Sean Payton, per Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com.

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Williams was listed at 220 pounds when he entered the NFL in 2021 and rushed for 903 yards at a clip of 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2022, then tore his ACL and subsequently came back heavier in 2023 while averaging just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. Payton and Williams are hoping that the running back's return to a slimmer frame will help recapture some of the elusiveness he lacked last season.

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Sutton is expected to be present for the start of training camp Wednesday, James Palmer reports.

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Sutton is among several wide receivers around the league seeking a new contract and had previously not committed to being present at the start of camp. His current deal runs through the 2025 season, and he is currently owed $13 million for the 2024 campaign. Coach Sean Payton didn't offer any update about the status of negotiations but did say he didn't expect the issue to cause a distraction.

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Meinerz signed a four-year, $80 million extension with the Broncos on Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

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A third-round pick in 2021, Meinerz has started 39 games over his first three seasons and distinguished himself as an above-average pass and run blocker that's still improving. The Wisconsin-Whitewater product did suffer a cardiac scare during a Week 14 win over the Chargers last season, but he was eventually cleared after spending the night in a Los Angeles hospital.

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Griffith has the physical traits to win Denver's training camp competition for a starting inside linebacker spot if he's healthy, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. "I'm anxious to see him once we get into camp and get to know the player more when he's carrying his shoulder pads, fitting runs, playing the passing game," coach Sean Payton said of Griffith.

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Griffith showed his high ceiling by beating out Alex Singleton in training camp for a starting spot alongside Josey Jewell in 2022, but he missed the second half of that season due to a broken foot and the entire 2023 campaign due to a knee injury. Singleton's locked into a starting spot these days, but Jewell left in free agency, giving Griffith the opportunity to compete for a starting role against Cody Barton and Justin Strnad.

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Abrams-Draine has impressed with his toughness and versatility in minicamp and is in the running to start on the outside opposite Patrick Surtain, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.

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The Broncos drafted Abrams-Draine in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Missouri, and the rookie has proceeded to put together a strong offseason program heading into training camp. Abrams-Draine will be competing for a prominent role as either the nickel cornerback or a starter on the outside in a cornerback room that includes Surtain, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, Levi Wallace and Art Green.

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Forsyth's experience playing with rookie quarterback Bo Nix could give him a leg up in Denver's center competition, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.

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Kosmider reasons that the Broncos are hoping to let a young center grow alongside Nix, and Forsyth would be a sensible choice considering he was the center for Nix at Oregon in 2022. Forsyth was a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, and he's competing with 2022 fifth-round pick Luke Wattenberg and veteran Sam Mustipher to be the starting center after 2023 starter Lloyd Cushenberry left in free agency.

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McLaughlin is looking to improve as a pass catcher in 2024, and he has impressed coach Sean Payton with his work ethic, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports. "He'll come up and wear me out asking for cut-ups and looking at certain routes," Payton said of McLaughlin. "He's here at 5:15 [in the morning], even in the offseason, first one here running in the weight room. By the time he's at breakfast and most people are arriving, he's put in a good hour and a half's worth of work."

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McLaughlin had only 31 catches as a rookie, but he's looking to carve out a larger role in a Denver backfield that also includes Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and rookie fifth-round pick Audric Estime, the latter of whom is recovering from a knee procedure. Williams and Estime profile more as early-down options, and if McLaughlin's hard work in the offseason pays off, the Broncos may feel comfortable parting ways with Perine and entrusting McLaughlin with the majority of passing-down snaps.

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Estime is competing for early down touches in Denver's backfield, according to coach Sean Payton, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports. "[Estime] was one of the higher-graded backs after contact," Payton said. "He's a physical player ... man, he is a first- and second-down runner who I think is strong."

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The Broncos selected Estime out of Notre Dame in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Payton revealed that the running back's physical running style inspired that choice. Estime missed OTAs and minicamp after undergoing a knee scope, but the rookie will try to push Javonte Williams for early down touches, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine are likely to get most of their opportunities in passing situations.

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Coach Sean Payton expects Williams to be more productive in the running back's second season since having surgery to repair a torn ACL in October 2022, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. "I think historically speaking, when you talk to the experts, they say that the complete heal finishes at two years," Payton said of Williams' recovery. "The challenge last year was really when you think about it, even in training camp, it was still early enough in the process where it was hard for him to go full speed with confidence."

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Williams averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2021 and 4.3 yards per carry through four games in 2022 prior to injuring his knee. He played in all but one game in 2023 but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Williams will look to bounce back in 2024 and maintain the lead role in a Denver backfield that also includes second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin, veteran Samaje Perine and rookie Audric Estime, the latter of whom is working his way back from a knee scope.

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Surtain is projected to finish as the Broncos' team MVP in 2024 by Eric Edholm of NFL.com.

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Edholm notes Surtain didn't even have as a good a season in 2023 as he did in his first two campaigns, but he envisions a player of his talent bouncing back in 2024 if he's able to make a few more plays on the ball. Moreover, Edholm points out it would be difficult to predict a team MVP on the offensive side of the ball for Denver, given the team's uncertain quarterback situation and Courtland Sutton's dissatisfaction with his contract.

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Griffith stated in a recent radio interview that he's looking forward to facing and recording an interception off one-time Broncos teammate Russell Wilson when Denver and the Steelers face off in Week 2, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.

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Griffith missed all of the 2023 season due to an ACL tear, but he was a teammate of Wilson's through the quarterback's two seasons in Denver. Griffith should have an excellent chance to at least be on the field and put himself in position to record a potential interception, considering he suffered his injury in August and already participated fully in OTAs and minicamp.

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Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic believes Perine would be a good fit for the Bengals if he's cut by the Broncos prior to the 2024 season.

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Perine is competing for a roster spot on a Broncos team that drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round, has Javonte Williams as the established lead back and saw Jaleel McLaughlin flash big-play ability as a rookie last season. If Perine winds up being the odd man out in Denver, he could fit in as a third-down specialist in a Cincinnati backfield led by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Perine thrived in such a role with the Bengals in 2022, posting 681 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

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Barton is competing with Jonas Griffith for a starting middle linebacker role, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Barton has worked as a starter for the last two seasons with the Seahawks and Commanders and been extremely productive, tallying a combined 257 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions. Even so, he's not locked into a starting job heading into training camp. Griffith has played only 557 combined defensive snaps across his first two seasons in the NFL, so Barton presumably has the early edge in the competition.

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Despite being in a competitive Denver backfield, Jake Ciely of The Athletic believes that McLaughlin can break out and establish himself as the lead back for the Broncos in 2024.

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McLaughlin is part of a crowded running back room consisting of Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and 2024 fifth-rounder Audric Estime. While Williams and Perine figure to be the top two backs heading into training camp, Ciely believes that McLaughlin's speed and cut-and-go style will give him an opportunity to establish consistent snaps on offense. McLaughlin led Denver with 5.4 yards per carry last season, and he finished his rookie year with 570 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 107 touches.

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Surtain is interested in a contract extension to stay with the Broncos, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

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The star cornerback is hoping to stay in Denver long enough to be named to the team's Ring of Fame. "When you see those [Ring of Fame] players on the wall and see what they've done, it just gives you great inspiration and you look forward to those things to fulfill," Surtain said over the weekend. "Obviously, I want to be a Bronco, so I definitely want to see my name up in the rafters." The 24-year-old is under contract through 2025 after the fifth-year option on his rookie deal was picked up in April.

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Wilson appears to be behind both Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix in Denver's quarterback pecking order after minicamp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Wilson has looked like the team's third-best quarterback in terms of both playing time and performance. He played three practices with the first-team offense during the spring compared to four for Nix and five for Stidham. While Stidham and Nix appear to be running neck-and-neck for the starting job, Wilson is falling behind in the competition, though the 24-year-old former Jets quarterback could still work his way into the conversation for the starting job by bouncing back in training camp and preseason.

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Nix is running second in Denver's quarterback competition heading into training camp, behind Jarrett Stidham and ahead of Zach Wilson, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Nix still has ground to make up on Stidham, but it's hardly surprising that the rookie first-round pick is trailing at this stage considering Stidham has incumbency advantage after starting the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Nix showed progress during the team's mandatory minicamp, and a strong showing during training camp and preseason could help the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft leapfrog Stidham on the depth chart before Week 1.

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Stidham has an obvious advantage in Denver's quarterback competition after minicamp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Stidham is running ahead of Bo Nix and Zach Wilson heading into training camp, though Nix still has plenty of time to close the gap. Coach Sean Payton praised the decisiveness and leadership of Stidham, who started the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Even if Stidham holds onto the top spot on the depth chart heading into the regular season, it likely won't be long until Nix supplants him as the starter considering the Broncos drafted Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Patrick was among the top performers at Tuesday's minicamp practice, and the veteran wide receiver looks healthy and sharp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Patrick had 742 receiving yards in 2020 and 734 yards in 2021, but he hasn't played in a regular-season game since due to an ACL tear followed by an Achilles tear. The veteran wide receiver seems to have moved past those injuries and could be in position to return to a prominent role in a Broncos receiving corps that lacks established options behind Courtland Sutton, who attended minicamp but may sit out training camp as he angles for a new contract.

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Sutton attended mandatory minicamp in June but wouldn't commit to being at training camp in July without a new contract, Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire reports. "We'll see what happens," Sutton said when asked whether he would attend training camp. "Got a month to be able to get things situated."

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Sutton has maintained that he wants to remain in Denver long term, so the 28-year-old wide receiver is hoping for more job security on a new deal. While his current contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, Sutton has only $2 million guaranteed among the $27.6 million owed him over that span. According to the wide receiver, contract talks between his camp and the Broncos have hit a stalemate.

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Sutton returned to the team for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Sutton had skipped all voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract with the Broncos. However, he returned to the field Tuesday to avoid fines that could have totaled up to $101,716 for missing mandatory minicamp. Sutton spoke to the media and confirmed he still wanted a new deal while also disclosing the sides had not made much progress in negotiations.

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Wilson was outplayed by both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham in OTAs, but he could still be the favorite to begin the season as the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Nix appears to be on track to begin the season as the starter, leaving Stidham and Wilson competing for the backup job. Stidham has experience in coach Sean Payton's scheme from last year, but Wilson's advantage is contractual, as he has a fully guaranteed $2.73 million salary for 2024, while only $1 million of Stidham's $6 million salary is guaranteed. As a result, Stidham will need to create enough of a gap between himself and Wilson during training camp to convince the front office to pony up that extra $5 million.

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Stidham could need to significantly outplay Zach Wilson this offseason to secure the Broncos' backup quarterback job, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Stidham did his part in OTAs, looking at times like the best QB on the roster, but only $1 million of his $6 million salary in 2024 is guaranteed, so the Broncos would save a not insignificant sum if they cut him loose. By contrast, Wilson is due a fully guaranteed $2.73 million. Rookie Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, appears to be on track to open the season as the Broncos' starter regardless of who wins the backup job.

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Nix appears to be on track to open the 2024 season as the Broncos' starting quarterback, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Per Klis' observations during OTAs, Nix looked ready to take the reins, with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson competing for the backup job. Nix, taken with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, actually has the most starting experience of the three counting college, as he set an NCAA record with 61 starts between Auburn and Oregon.

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Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday he expects Mims' development to take a significant step forward in the 2024 season, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

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Mims was typically stuck behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in his rookie 2023 campaign, finishing the season with just 22 receptions for 377 yards and a touchdown across 362 snaps. However, with Jeudy now in Cleveland and Sutton currently staying away from OTAs due to a contractual dispute, Mims is getting much more of an opportunity with the first-team offense and making good use of it. It's also likely Mims retains the returner roles he filled most of last season, especially with new kickoff rules that will take effect this coming season.

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Head coach Sean Payton praised Patrick after Thursday's OTA, noting that the wideout is "one of the leaders" of the Broncos offense, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

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Patrick was the most tenured Broncos receiver Thursday with Courtland Sutton absent. Kosmider notes that Patrick seemed to have relished the opportunity to serve as the veteran receiver, leading the wideouts in individual drills and making impressive catches during team drills. He's missed the last two seasons with an ACL tear and torn left Achilles in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He'll look to carve out a role in the passing game alongside Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims and 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin this season.

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Nick Baumgarder of The Athletic believes that Franklin is a 2024 NFL Draft sleeper that could make an instant impact for the Broncos in the upcoming season.

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The Broncos have attempted to fill the void they created by trading Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in March by selecting Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 102nd overall. Franklin should fit into the Denver offense nicely, especially if former Oregon teammate Bo Nix wins the starting quarterback competition, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over its last two seasons with the Ducks. Franklin's speed and leaping ability should complement veteran wideouts Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds in the passing game.

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Wilson, who was traded to the Broncos from the Jets in April, has gotten off to a solid start at Denver's OTAs, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Wilson got a much-needed change of scenery with the move out of the Big Apple, where he largely struggled after being selected with the second overall pick in 2021. Head coach Sean Payton noted Thursday that Wilson, who worked with the first team in Wednesday's OTA practice session, has performed well so far, although he also had praise for the other two signal-callers vying for the starting job, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and incumbent Jarrett Stidham. The competition is likely to go all the way through preseason, and Wilson notably has the experience edge on his fellow competitors after appearing in 34 games with the Jets over his first three seasons.

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Stidham has performed well early in the Broncos' OTAs, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Head coach Sean Payton spoke about the three-way quarterback competition between Stidham, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and Zach Wilson on Thursday, and he had praise for all three players. The long-tenured head coach noted Stidham had worked with the starters on Tuesday, and he emphasized all three players are on equal footing despite Stidham's status as the incumbent in Payton's system.

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Nix received compliments from head coach Sean Payton on Thursday for his progress thus far, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Payton noted Nix was "farther along than most would be," adding the rookie out of Oregon was "extremely smart" and quickly picking up the offense. Nix even opened Thursday's OTA practice with the starters, but Payton emphasized nothing should be read into that decision and repeatedly stressed Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are in a three-way competition for the top job.

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Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com believes Stidham still has a realistic chance to be Denver's Week 1 starter, even though the Broncos drafted Bo Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Rosenthal believes Nix will ultimately earn the starting job, but it's worth noting that coach Sean Payton targeted Stidham as a free agent in the 2023 offseason and ultimately had Stidham start two games down the stretch in 2023. Stidham climbed to the top of the depth chart after Denver parted ways with Russell Wilson earlier in the offseason, but the Broncos subsequently added two younger quarterbacks with higher ceilings in Nix and Zach Wilson.

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Sutton remains away from the Broncos to begin the offseason program, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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The veteran wideout is working out on his own in Florida as he seeks a new contract. Sutton has two years left on his current deal worth $26.6 million, but only $2 million of that is guaranteed, and he would like a little more security. With Jerry Jeudy having been traded to the Browns in March, Sutton will be the clear top receiving option in 2024 for rookie first-round pick Bo Nix, who is expected to take over as Denver's starting quarterback early this season if not for Week 1. His absence from workouts is preventing the duo from developing any chemistry in Sean Payton's timing-based scheme, however. Sutton's attendance won't become mandatory until minicamp in June.

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Nix has made a strong first impression at Denver's rookie minicamp, connecting on multiple deep passes Saturday while consistently getting the ball out quickly, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

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Nix didn't seem to struggle with the adjustment to taking snaps under center, which was a point of concern for the rookie quarterback coming from an Oregon offense that operated predominantly out of the shotgun. Coach Sean Payton was pleased with Nix's performance but is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback, as Denver intends to move forward with a rotation of Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson under center to begin OTAs.

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Watson is the top rookie undrafted free agent to watch for the Broncos and has a good chance of carving out an NFL career, according to Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dotcherman of The Athletic.

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Baumgardner and Dotcherman point out that numerous undrafted running backs have eventually earned playing time in recent years, and Watson out of Memphis could turn into the latest addition to that list. Watson rushed for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 while adding 53 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at Memphis' Pro Day, showcasing excellent speed to go with his impressive production.

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Broncos general manager George Paton believes Nix's advanced age and wealth of college experience will help him transition to the pro ranks quicker, per Mike Klis of 9News Denver. "Especially with a guy like Bo Nix, 61 starts, we feel like he'll be more game-ready than if we were going to draft a 21-year-old," Paton said.

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Denver was searching for a starting quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft after parting ways with Russell Wilson, and part of the calculus that went into staying pat for the 24-year-old Nix with the 12th overall pick rather than trading up for one of the five quarterbacks selected before him was that Nix is more likely to be ready to start as a rookie. Given that context, Nix is well positioned to beat out Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for Denver's starting job come Week 1.

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Nix has been lauded for his maturity and work ethic by Broncos head coach Sean Payton, and he hasn't been ruled out as the Week 1 starter for the team, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are also on the roster and have NFL starting experience, but Payton has said only that the quarterback position will "sort itself out" over the offseason. Nix is already 24 years old and played 61 college games, however, and after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Denver may not be inclined to wait long to install him as Russell Wilson's successor under center.

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After taking Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos traded up to take Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round, 102nd overall, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Nix threw for 8,101 yards and 74 touchdowns over his last two seasons in Oregon, and 23 of those scores went to his number one wideout Franklin. They were brought in by Denver to address glaring needs at quarterback and wide receiver after the Broncos traded away Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy over the offseason. The Oregon duo will look to build on their chemistry from college while working with the likes of Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims in the passing game.

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After being selected by the Broncos in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 102nd overall, Franklin will once again catch passes from quarterback and former Oregon teammate Bo Nix, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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The Broncos addressed their needs at quarterback and wide receiver in the draft, taking Nix with the 12th overall pick before trading up with the Seahawks to take Franklin early in the fourth round. Franklin was Nix's number one receiver in Oregon, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The former Ducks will look to bring their college chemistry to the Broncos, similar to Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase with the Bengals and Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle with the Dolphins.

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Nix's performance in the classroom and on the field during his private workout with the Broncos convinced the team he was the right fit for their system, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.

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Schefter explains Nix had his private workout with the team the day after his pro day, and the night prior, the team sent the Oregon product three packets of offensive play installation. Nix had reportedly mastered the material by the next morning when quizzed on it during a classroom session, and he was apparently equally impressive when subsequently throwing on the field for an hour.

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Wallace is visiting the Broncos on Monday and is expected to sign a one-year deal with the team if it goes well, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

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Working with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph appears to be a big selling point for Wallace in coming to Denver. The 28-year-old cornerback spent the last two seasons with Pittsburgh, starting 18 of 31 games and recording 24 passes defended, including six interceptions.

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Broncos general manager George Paton said he's unconcerned about Sutton, who remains away from the Broncos' voluntary workouts due to what is reportedly dissatisfaction with his contract, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

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Paton noted workouts are "100 percent voluntary" at this stage, adding that both he and head coach Sean Payton have talked to Sutton and the wideout is "in a good place." Sutton still has two years remaining on his current contract, but with only $2.4 million guaranteed over that span and the 28-year-old qualifying as the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver at the moment, he may feel urgency to see that dollar figure rise significantly.

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Broncos general manager George Paton said Thursday the team won't "force it" in terms of picking a quarterback with the 12th overall selection in next week's NFL Draft, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, making it possible Stidham won't compete for the starting job with a Day 1 draft choice.

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The Broncos famously released Russell Wilson earlier this offseason and have yet to sign a quarterback in free agency, leaving Stidham atop the positional depth chart for the moment. Paton noted Thursday there's no guarantee Denver even stands pat at No. 12 given the team has received offers to both move up and back from that slot, while head coach Sean Payton added a quarterback would have to be "the right fit, the right one" to warrant a first-round investment.

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Sutton is not participating in Broncos' voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

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Sutton still has two years remaining on his current deal, and he's owed a total of $26.5 million in that span. While his targets, receptions and yards were all around his career norms in 2023, he found the end zone a career-best 10 times -- a particularly impressive mark given the inconsistent quarterback play in Denver. It's unclear whether the Broncos plan to negotiate with Sutton, though he could opt to hold in during training camp if a new deal doesn't come to fruition.

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The Broncos aren't currently shopping Sutton, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

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Sutton has been named as a potential trade target for the Jets, though it appears the Broncos aren't willing to completely turn over their wide receiver corps after dealing Jerry Jeudy. Sutton's currently in line to be the team's top pass catcher in 2024, though it's unclear who will be delivering passes to him following the release of Russell Wilson. As for the Jets, they're looking for a reliable second receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, though they may need to rely on free agency or the draft to find one.

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Wilson had his turn to work with the first-team offense skipped Tuesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Throughout the offseason and at the start of training camp, each of Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix and Wilson had alternated days with the first-team offense. Tuesday would have been Wilson's turn, but instead, it was Stidham with the starters. Coach Sean Payton did not acknowledge any change in the quarterback competition, though it appears as though Wilson has fallen behind.

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Nix is showing a lot more poise and polish than a typical rookie to begin training camp, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

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The 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft was viewed as the most NFL-ready quarterback in a deep class, having started 61 college games, and Nix has demonstrated an aptitude for processing information that reflects his experience level. He's also shown a quick release and good accuracy, traits that make him an excellent fit for coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Jarrett Stidham's efficiency and consistency may still have him in the lead for the Week 1 starting job, but Nix could move past him once preseason action begins.

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Sutton had $1.5 million in incentives added to his 2024 base salary Thursday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Sutton already had a $13 million base salary locked in for the coming season, along with $500,000 worth of roster bonuses. However, he was still seeking a raise in some form and had reported to camp on time with the rest of veterans, following that up by participating in both of the team's first two practices. Sutton projects to serve as the Broncos' clear-cut No. 1 receiver in 2024 following the offseason trade of Jerry Jeudy to the Browns.

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Williams checked it at around 220 pounds at the start of training camp Wednesday, having slimmed down in the offseason at the request of head coach Sean Payton, per Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com.

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Williams was listed at 220 pounds when he entered the NFL in 2021 and rushed for 903 yards at a clip of 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry in 2022, then tore his ACL and subsequently came back heavier in 2023 while averaging just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. Payton and Williams are hoping that the running back's return to a slimmer frame will help recapture some of the elusiveness he lacked last season.

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Sutton is expected to be present for the start of training camp Wednesday, James Palmer reports.

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Sutton is among several wide receivers around the league seeking a new contract and had previously not committed to being present at the start of camp. His current deal runs through the 2025 season, and he is currently owed $13 million for the 2024 campaign. Coach Sean Payton didn't offer any update about the status of negotiations but did say he didn't expect the issue to cause a distraction.

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Meinerz signed a four-year, $80 million extension with the Broncos on Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

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A third-round pick in 2021, Meinerz has started 39 games over his first three seasons and distinguished himself as an above-average pass and run blocker that's still improving. The Wisconsin-Whitewater product did suffer a cardiac scare during a Week 14 win over the Chargers last season, but he was eventually cleared after spending the night in a Los Angeles hospital.

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Griffith has the physical traits to win Denver's training camp competition for a starting inside linebacker spot if he's healthy, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. "I'm anxious to see him once we get into camp and get to know the player more when he's carrying his shoulder pads, fitting runs, playing the passing game," coach Sean Payton said of Griffith.

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Griffith showed his high ceiling by beating out Alex Singleton in training camp for a starting spot alongside Josey Jewell in 2022, but he missed the second half of that season due to a broken foot and the entire 2023 campaign due to a knee injury. Singleton's locked into a starting spot these days, but Jewell left in free agency, giving Griffith the opportunity to compete for a starting role against Cody Barton and Justin Strnad.

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Abrams-Draine has impressed with his toughness and versatility in minicamp and is in the running to start on the outside opposite Patrick Surtain, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.

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The Broncos drafted Abrams-Draine in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Missouri, and the rookie has proceeded to put together a strong offseason program heading into training camp. Abrams-Draine will be competing for a prominent role as either the nickel cornerback or a starter on the outside in a cornerback room that includes Surtain, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, Levi Wallace and Art Green.

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Forsyth's experience playing with rookie quarterback Bo Nix could give him a leg up in Denver's center competition, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.

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Kosmider reasons that the Broncos are hoping to let a young center grow alongside Nix, and Forsyth would be a sensible choice considering he was the center for Nix at Oregon in 2022. Forsyth was a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, and he's competing with 2022 fifth-round pick Luke Wattenberg and veteran Sam Mustipher to be the starting center after 2023 starter Lloyd Cushenberry left in free agency.

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McLaughlin is looking to improve as a pass catcher in 2024, and he has impressed coach Sean Payton with his work ethic, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports. "He'll come up and wear me out asking for cut-ups and looking at certain routes," Payton said of McLaughlin. "He's here at 5:15 [in the morning], even in the offseason, first one here running in the weight room. By the time he's at breakfast and most people are arriving, he's put in a good hour and a half's worth of work."

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McLaughlin had only 31 catches as a rookie, but he's looking to carve out a larger role in a Denver backfield that also includes Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and rookie fifth-round pick Audric Estime, the latter of whom is recovering from a knee procedure. Williams and Estime profile more as early-down options, and if McLaughlin's hard work in the offseason pays off, the Broncos may feel comfortable parting ways with Perine and entrusting McLaughlin with the majority of passing-down snaps.

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Estime is competing for early down touches in Denver's backfield, according to coach Sean Payton, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports. "[Estime] was one of the higher-graded backs after contact," Payton said. "He's a physical player ... man, he is a first- and second-down runner who I think is strong."

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The Broncos selected Estime out of Notre Dame in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Payton revealed that the running back's physical running style inspired that choice. Estime missed OTAs and minicamp after undergoing a knee scope, but the rookie will try to push Javonte Williams for early down touches, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine are likely to get most of their opportunities in passing situations.

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Coach Sean Payton expects Williams to be more productive in the running back's second season since having surgery to repair a torn ACL in October 2022, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. "I think historically speaking, when you talk to the experts, they say that the complete heal finishes at two years," Payton said of Williams' recovery. "The challenge last year was really when you think about it, even in training camp, it was still early enough in the process where it was hard for him to go full speed with confidence."

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Williams averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2021 and 4.3 yards per carry through four games in 2022 prior to injuring his knee. He played in all but one game in 2023 but averaged just 3.6 yards per carry. Williams will look to bounce back in 2024 and maintain the lead role in a Denver backfield that also includes second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin, veteran Samaje Perine and rookie Audric Estime, the latter of whom is working his way back from a knee scope.

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Surtain is projected to finish as the Broncos' team MVP in 2024 by Eric Edholm of NFL.com.

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Edholm notes Surtain didn't even have as a good a season in 2023 as he did in his first two campaigns, but he envisions a player of his talent bouncing back in 2024 if he's able to make a few more plays on the ball. Moreover, Edholm points out it would be difficult to predict a team MVP on the offensive side of the ball for Denver, given the team's uncertain quarterback situation and Courtland Sutton's dissatisfaction with his contract.

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Griffith stated in a recent radio interview that he's looking forward to facing and recording an interception off one-time Broncos teammate Russell Wilson when Denver and the Steelers face off in Week 2, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.

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Griffith missed all of the 2023 season due to an ACL tear, but he was a teammate of Wilson's through the quarterback's two seasons in Denver. Griffith should have an excellent chance to at least be on the field and put himself in position to record a potential interception, considering he suffered his injury in August and already participated fully in OTAs and minicamp.

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Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic believes Perine would be a good fit for the Bengals if he's cut by the Broncos prior to the 2024 season.

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Perine is competing for a roster spot on a Broncos team that drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round, has Javonte Williams as the established lead back and saw Jaleel McLaughlin flash big-play ability as a rookie last season. If Perine winds up being the odd man out in Denver, he could fit in as a third-down specialist in a Cincinnati backfield led by Zack Moss and Chase Brown. Perine thrived in such a role with the Bengals in 2022, posting 681 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns.

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Barton is competing with Jonas Griffith for a starting middle linebacker role, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Barton has worked as a starter for the last two seasons with the Seahawks and Commanders and been extremely productive, tallying a combined 257 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions. Even so, he's not locked into a starting job heading into training camp. Griffith has played only 557 combined defensive snaps across his first two seasons in the NFL, so Barton presumably has the early edge in the competition.

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Despite being in a competitive Denver backfield, Jake Ciely of The Athletic believes that McLaughlin can break out and establish himself as the lead back for the Broncos in 2024.

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McLaughlin is part of a crowded running back room consisting of Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and 2024 fifth-rounder Audric Estime. While Williams and Perine figure to be the top two backs heading into training camp, Ciely believes that McLaughlin's speed and cut-and-go style will give him an opportunity to establish consistent snaps on offense. McLaughlin led Denver with 5.4 yards per carry last season, and he finished his rookie year with 570 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 107 touches.

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Surtain is interested in a contract extension to stay with the Broncos, Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reports.

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The star cornerback is hoping to stay in Denver long enough to be named to the team's Ring of Fame. "When you see those [Ring of Fame] players on the wall and see what they've done, it just gives you great inspiration and you look forward to those things to fulfill," Surtain said over the weekend. "Obviously, I want to be a Bronco, so I definitely want to see my name up in the rafters." The 24-year-old is under contract through 2025 after the fifth-year option on his rookie deal was picked up in April.

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Wilson appears to be behind both Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix in Denver's quarterback pecking order after minicamp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Wilson has looked like the team's third-best quarterback in terms of both playing time and performance. He played three practices with the first-team offense during the spring compared to four for Nix and five for Stidham. While Stidham and Nix appear to be running neck-and-neck for the starting job, Wilson is falling behind in the competition, though the 24-year-old former Jets quarterback could still work his way into the conversation for the starting job by bouncing back in training camp and preseason.

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Nix is running second in Denver's quarterback competition heading into training camp, behind Jarrett Stidham and ahead of Zach Wilson, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Nix still has ground to make up on Stidham, but it's hardly surprising that the rookie first-round pick is trailing at this stage considering Stidham has incumbency advantage after starting the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Nix showed progress during the team's mandatory minicamp, and a strong showing during training camp and preseason could help the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft leapfrog Stidham on the depth chart before Week 1.

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Stidham has an obvious advantage in Denver's quarterback competition after minicamp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Stidham is running ahead of Bo Nix and Zach Wilson heading into training camp, though Nix still has plenty of time to close the gap. Coach Sean Payton praised the decisiveness and leadership of Stidham, who started the final two games of the 2023 season for the Broncos. Even if Stidham holds onto the top spot on the depth chart heading into the regular season, it likely won't be long until Nix supplants him as the starter considering the Broncos drafted Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Patrick was among the top performers at Tuesday's minicamp practice, and the veteran wide receiver looks healthy and sharp, according to Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire.

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Patrick had 742 receiving yards in 2020 and 734 yards in 2021, but he hasn't played in a regular-season game since due to an ACL tear followed by an Achilles tear. The veteran wide receiver seems to have moved past those injuries and could be in position to return to a prominent role in a Broncos receiving corps that lacks established options behind Courtland Sutton, who attended minicamp but may sit out training camp as he angles for a new contract.

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Sutton attended mandatory minicamp in June but wouldn't commit to being at training camp in July without a new contract, Jon Heath of USA Today Broncos Wire reports. "We'll see what happens," Sutton said when asked whether he would attend training camp. "Got a month to be able to get things situated."

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Sutton has maintained that he wants to remain in Denver long term, so the 28-year-old wide receiver is hoping for more job security on a new deal. While his current contract runs through the end of the 2025 season, Sutton has only $2 million guaranteed among the $27.6 million owed him over that span. According to the wide receiver, contract talks between his camp and the Broncos have hit a stalemate.

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Sutton returned to the team for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Sutton had skipped all voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract with the Broncos. However, he returned to the field Tuesday to avoid fines that could have totaled up to $101,716 for missing mandatory minicamp. Sutton spoke to the media and confirmed he still wanted a new deal while also disclosing the sides had not made much progress in negotiations.

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Wilson was outplayed by both Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham in OTAs, but he could still be the favorite to begin the season as the Broncos' No. 2 quarterback, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Nix appears to be on track to begin the season as the starter, leaving Stidham and Wilson competing for the backup job. Stidham has experience in coach Sean Payton's scheme from last year, but Wilson's advantage is contractual, as he has a fully guaranteed $2.73 million salary for 2024, while only $1 million of Stidham's $6 million salary is guaranteed. As a result, Stidham will need to create enough of a gap between himself and Wilson during training camp to convince the front office to pony up that extra $5 million.

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Stidham could need to significantly outplay Zach Wilson this offseason to secure the Broncos' backup quarterback job, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Stidham did his part in OTAs, looking at times like the best QB on the roster, but only $1 million of his $6 million salary in 2024 is guaranteed, so the Broncos would save a not insignificant sum if they cut him loose. By contrast, Wilson is due a fully guaranteed $2.73 million. Rookie Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, appears to be on track to open the season as the Broncos' starter regardless of who wins the backup job.

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Nix appears to be on track to open the 2024 season as the Broncos' starting quarterback, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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Per Klis' observations during OTAs, Nix looked ready to take the reins, with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson competing for the backup job. Nix, taken with the 12th overall pick in this year's draft, actually has the most starting experience of the three counting college, as he set an NCAA record with 61 starts between Auburn and Oregon.

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Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday he expects Mims' development to take a significant step forward in the 2024 season, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.

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Mims was typically stuck behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in his rookie 2023 campaign, finishing the season with just 22 receptions for 377 yards and a touchdown across 362 snaps. However, with Jeudy now in Cleveland and Sutton currently staying away from OTAs due to a contractual dispute, Mims is getting much more of an opportunity with the first-team offense and making good use of it. It's also likely Mims retains the returner roles he filled most of last season, especially with new kickoff rules that will take effect this coming season.

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Head coach Sean Payton praised Patrick after Thursday's OTA, noting that the wideout is "one of the leaders" of the Broncos offense, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

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Patrick was the most tenured Broncos receiver Thursday with Courtland Sutton absent. Kosmider notes that Patrick seemed to have relished the opportunity to serve as the veteran receiver, leading the wideouts in individual drills and making impressive catches during team drills. He's missed the last two seasons with an ACL tear and torn left Achilles in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He'll look to carve out a role in the passing game alongside Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims and 2024 fourth-round pick Troy Franklin this season.

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Nick Baumgarder of The Athletic believes that Franklin is a 2024 NFL Draft sleeper that could make an instant impact for the Broncos in the upcoming season.

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The Broncos have attempted to fill the void they created by trading Jerry Jeudy to the Browns in March by selecting Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 102nd overall. Franklin should fit into the Denver offense nicely, especially if former Oregon teammate Bo Nix wins the starting quarterback competition, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over its last two seasons with the Ducks. Franklin's speed and leaping ability should complement veteran wideouts Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds in the passing game.

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Wilson, who was traded to the Broncos from the Jets in April, has gotten off to a solid start at Denver's OTAs, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Wilson got a much-needed change of scenery with the move out of the Big Apple, where he largely struggled after being selected with the second overall pick in 2021. Head coach Sean Payton noted Thursday that Wilson, who worked with the first team in Wednesday's OTA practice session, has performed well so far, although he also had praise for the other two signal-callers vying for the starting job, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and incumbent Jarrett Stidham. The competition is likely to go all the way through preseason, and Wilson notably has the experience edge on his fellow competitors after appearing in 34 games with the Jets over his first three seasons.

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Stidham has performed well early in the Broncos' OTAs, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Head coach Sean Payton spoke about the three-way quarterback competition between Stidham, rookie first-round pick Bo Nix and Zach Wilson on Thursday, and he had praise for all three players. The long-tenured head coach noted Stidham had worked with the starters on Tuesday, and he emphasized all three players are on equal footing despite Stidham's status as the incumbent in Payton's system.

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Nix received compliments from head coach Sean Payton on Thursday for his progress thus far, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Payton noted Nix was "farther along than most would be," adding the rookie out of Oregon was "extremely smart" and quickly picking up the offense. Nix even opened Thursday's OTA practice with the starters, but Payton emphasized nothing should be read into that decision and repeatedly stressed Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are in a three-way competition for the top job.

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Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com believes Stidham still has a realistic chance to be Denver's Week 1 starter, even though the Broncos drafted Bo Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Rosenthal believes Nix will ultimately earn the starting job, but it's worth noting that coach Sean Payton targeted Stidham as a free agent in the 2023 offseason and ultimately had Stidham start two games down the stretch in 2023. Stidham climbed to the top of the depth chart after Denver parted ways with Russell Wilson earlier in the offseason, but the Broncos subsequently added two younger quarterbacks with higher ceilings in Nix and Zach Wilson.

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Sutton remains away from the Broncos to begin the offseason program, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.

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The veteran wideout is working out on his own in Florida as he seeks a new contract. Sutton has two years left on his current deal worth $26.6 million, but only $2 million of that is guaranteed, and he would like a little more security. With Jerry Jeudy having been traded to the Browns in March, Sutton will be the clear top receiving option in 2024 for rookie first-round pick Bo Nix, who is expected to take over as Denver's starting quarterback early this season if not for Week 1. His absence from workouts is preventing the duo from developing any chemistry in Sean Payton's timing-based scheme, however. Sutton's attendance won't become mandatory until minicamp in June.

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Nix has made a strong first impression at Denver's rookie minicamp, connecting on multiple deep passes Saturday while consistently getting the ball out quickly, Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reports.

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Nix didn't seem to struggle with the adjustment to taking snaps under center, which was a point of concern for the rookie quarterback coming from an Oregon offense that operated predominantly out of the shotgun. Coach Sean Payton was pleased with Nix's performance but is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback, as Denver intends to move forward with a rotation of Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson under center to begin OTAs.

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Watson is the top rookie undrafted free agent to watch for the Broncos and has a good chance of carving out an NFL career, according to Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dotcherman of The Athletic.

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Baumgardner and Dotcherman point out that numerous undrafted running backs have eventually earned playing time in recent years, and Watson out of Memphis could turn into the latest addition to that list. Watson rushed for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 while adding 53 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound running back ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at Memphis' Pro Day, showcasing excellent speed to go with his impressive production.

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Broncos general manager George Paton believes Nix's advanced age and wealth of college experience will help him transition to the pro ranks quicker, per Mike Klis of 9News Denver. "Especially with a guy like Bo Nix, 61 starts, we feel like he'll be more game-ready than if we were going to draft a 21-year-old," Paton said.

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Denver was searching for a starting quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft after parting ways with Russell Wilson, and part of the calculus that went into staying pat for the 24-year-old Nix with the 12th overall pick rather than trading up for one of the five quarterbacks selected before him was that Nix is more likely to be ready to start as a rookie. Given that context, Nix is well positioned to beat out Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson for Denver's starting job come Week 1.

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Nix has been lauded for his maturity and work ethic by Broncos head coach Sean Payton, and he hasn't been ruled out as the Week 1 starter for the team, Jeff Legwold of ESPN reports.

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Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are also on the roster and have NFL starting experience, but Payton has said only that the quarterback position will "sort itself out" over the offseason. Nix is already 24 years old and played 61 college games, however, and after being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, Denver may not be inclined to wait long to install him as Russell Wilson's successor under center.

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After taking Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Broncos traded up to take Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round, 102nd overall, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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Nix threw for 8,101 yards and 74 touchdowns over his last two seasons in Oregon, and 23 of those scores went to his number one wideout Franklin. They were brought in by Denver to address glaring needs at quarterback and wide receiver after the Broncos traded away Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy over the offseason. The Oregon duo will look to build on their chemistry from college while working with the likes of Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims in the passing game.

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After being selected by the Broncos in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 102nd overall, Franklin will once again catch passes from quarterback and former Oregon teammate Bo Nix, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com reports.

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The Broncos addressed their needs at quarterback and wide receiver in the draft, taking Nix with the 12th overall pick before trading up with the Seahawks to take Franklin early in the fourth round. Franklin was Nix's number one receiver in Oregon, with the duo connecting for 23 touchdowns over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The former Ducks will look to bring their college chemistry to the Broncos, similar to Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase with the Bengals and Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle with the Dolphins.

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Nix's performance in the classroom and on the field during his private workout with the Broncos convinced the team he was the right fit for their system, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.

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Schefter explains Nix had his private workout with the team the day after his pro day, and the night prior, the team sent the Oregon product three packets of offensive play installation. Nix had reportedly mastered the material by the next morning when quizzed on it during a classroom session, and he was apparently equally impressive when subsequently throwing on the field for an hour.

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Wallace is visiting the Broncos on Monday and is expected to sign a one-year deal with the team if it goes well, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

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Working with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph appears to be a big selling point for Wallace in coming to Denver. The 28-year-old cornerback spent the last two seasons with Pittsburgh, starting 18 of 31 games and recording 24 passes defended, including six interceptions.

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Broncos general manager George Paton said he's unconcerned about Sutton, who remains away from the Broncos' voluntary workouts due to what is reportedly dissatisfaction with his contract, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports.

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Paton noted workouts are "100 percent voluntary" at this stage, adding that both he and head coach Sean Payton have talked to Sutton and the wideout is "in a good place." Sutton still has two years remaining on his current contract, but with only $2.4 million guaranteed over that span and the 28-year-old qualifying as the team's clear-cut No. 1 receiver at the moment, he may feel urgency to see that dollar figure rise significantly.

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Broncos general manager George Paton said Thursday the team won't "force it" in terms of picking a quarterback with the 12th overall selection in next week's NFL Draft, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, making it possible Stidham won't compete for the starting job with a Day 1 draft choice.

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The Broncos famously released Russell Wilson earlier this offseason and have yet to sign a quarterback in free agency, leaving Stidham atop the positional depth chart for the moment. Paton noted Thursday there's no guarantee Denver even stands pat at No. 12 given the team has received offers to both move up and back from that slot, while head coach Sean Payton added a quarterback would have to be "the right fit, the right one" to warrant a first-round investment.

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Sutton is not participating in Broncos' voluntary workouts as he seeks a new contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

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Sutton still has two years remaining on his current deal, and he's owed a total of $26.5 million in that span. While his targets, receptions and yards were all around his career norms in 2023, he found the end zone a career-best 10 times -- a particularly impressive mark given the inconsistent quarterback play in Denver. It's unclear whether the Broncos plan to negotiate with Sutton, though he could opt to hold in during training camp if a new deal doesn't come to fruition.

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The Broncos aren't currently shopping Sutton, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

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Sutton has been named as a potential trade target for the Jets, though it appears the Broncos aren't willing to completely turn over their wide receiver corps after dealing Jerry Jeudy. Sutton's currently in line to be the team's top pass catcher in 2024, though it's unclear who will be delivering passes to him following the release of Russell Wilson. As for the Jets, they're looking for a reliable second receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, though they may need to rely on free agency or the draft to find one.