One person ruined it for everyone.
Or at least it appears that way when it comes to contract extensions for Broncos players. Former quarterback Russell Wilson, as it stands, messed things up for the rest of his former teammates.
For those keeping track at home, Wilson received a five-year, $242.5 million contract extension with $161 million guaranteed in September 2022. Since then, the Walton-Penner ownership group, and by proxy coach Sean Payton, has not awarded a contract extension to a single player.
There was no traction with defensive end Dre’Mont Jones. No talks with left guard Dalton Risner. No reworked contract for star safety Justin Simmons, who was subsequently released, or revised deal for left tackle Garett Bolles.
So, when Courtland Sutton exercised his leverage by not reporting to voluntary organized team activities, angling for a new deal, it was no surprise that he did not receive one. Sutton said this week that he will report to mandatory minicamp next week. I will be surprised if he participates in 11-on-11 drills, either by his choice or as the team’s precaution to prevent an injury.
Sutton deserves praise, not a raise. He has been paid fairly for his production. That said, I do wonder if other players are watching his situation closely. Is how the Broncos have handled extensions since Wilson a coincidence because they did not want to invest in those players or a philosophical decision?
It would go over well in the locker room if the sides could find a middle ground. Sutton is due $13 million this season, $2 million of which became guaranteed on March 18. What if the Broncos guaranteed half of his deal this summer as an olive branch and tweaked incentives to give him $1 million if he eclipses 1,000 yards and another $1 million for eight touchdowns?
The argument against it is easy. Sutton is merely the best player on a bad offense. But the flip side is this: He is a captain, and guaranteeing some more money — not a contract extension — could be a compromise in a season when rookie Bo Nix is going to need him.
Since signing with the Rockies before the 2022 season, Kris Bryant has missed 342 games. He has 17 home runs and seven stints on the IL. Wilson had greater expectations, but Bryant is pushing strongly for the worst contract in Colorado pro sports history. …
Netflix announced Nov. 15 as the new date for the postponed Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. I grew up watching Tyson become the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Never thought he would be trading punches with an influencer at age 57. …
Watching college baseball super regionals, it is a reminder of how much recruiting has changed. Teams look to get old and stay old. There are almost 3,900 baseball players in the transfer portal. It is not a comfortable place unless you are a star or at least a junior. …
The WNBA still hasn’t figured out how to deal with Caitlin Clark, seemingly more eager to see her fail even as her games last weekend doubled the attendance of others. And Clark is not the best player in the WNBA. Not even close. That honor belongs to Las Vegas Aces star A’Ja Wilson, who has averaged 30.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, blocks and steals over her last four games.
Mail Time
I just want to say that I never read sports articles, but the title of your piece on Justin Simmons was excellent and so well written. I loved the Hallmark Channel analogy, and your writing captured my attention from the title to the last line. In a world of articles written in hashtags and flimsy statements, I appreciate your artistic writing ability.
–Julie Jacobs, via email
I did not include this dispatch because of the kind words, though they are appreciated. The column on Simmons was certainly not about me, but an athlete with uncommon humility. I have never heard of a player thanking team employees on the day he was cut. It speaks to Simmons’ character, and also why those of us who know him hope he calls Denver his home when he retires because of the impact he makes on others in the community.
