The Denver Broncos were at the center of trade rumors involving star wide receiver Courtland Sutton, as reported by The Athletic’s Diana Russini and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Before the San Francisco 49ers ultimately agreed to sign Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year contract extension, they were actively shopping him on the trade market.
Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots were all reportedly interested in acquiring Aiyuk. However, the Broncos also entered the mix as potential trade partners for the 49ers.
According to reports, the 49ers offered a third-round pick to Denver in exchange for Sutton as part of a three-team trade involving Aiyuk. In this proposed deal, Aiyuk would have been sent to the Steelers for second- and third-round picks, with the third-rounder then being flipped to Denver for Sutton. Despite the intriguing fit Sutton could have been in the 49ers’ offense, the Broncos rejected the idea.
Sutton, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, is gearing up to start his seventh season with the Broncos. The 49ers ultimately decided to keep Aiyuk for the long-term, alongside offensive stars like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey.
The negotiations surrounding Sutton and Aiyuk kept fans on the edge of their seats as the trade deadline loomed. The drama unfolding behind the scenes only added to the excitement of the upcoming NFL season. The speculation and rumors surrounding potential deals had fans eagerly anticipating the outcome. In the end, the Broncos stood firm in their decision to retain Sutton, while the 49ers secured Aiyuk for the foreseeable future. The rollercoaster of emotions felt by both teams and their fans was palpable as the trade talks reached a fever pitch.
As the dust settled on the trade rumors, all eyes turned towards the upcoming season as Sutton and Aiyuk prepare to take the field once again. The anticipation of seeing these star wide receivers in action only adds to the excitement of the NFL season ahead.
