Troy Renck: Broncos' Courtland Sutton deserves new deal, but Devaughn Vele looks like future replacement

Troy Renck, The Denver Post on Jun 8, 2025

Published in Football

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DENVER — Watch the slants. Crunch the stats. And it is hard not to come to this conclusion: Wide receiver Devaughn Vele will be a breakout star for the Broncos this season.

No, really.

Vele arrived for spring workouts with clear intent, determined to open eyes and change minds. During media viewing periods, few players have looked better, though Marvin Mims Jr. is turning heads in practice as well.

Vele is not unknown.

There were cameras at his locker as a rookie, but they were usually trained on Garett Bolles seated a few cubicles away. Vele did more than occupy space. He caught 41 passes, 26 of which resulted in a first down. He collected 475 yards and three touchdowns, a meaningful contribution for a seventh-round pick.

Like Bo Nix, the man most often throwing to him, Vele looks different. He is more confident. His athleticism continues to shine.

When you think, you stink, the saying goes in sports. And Vele’s mind has clearly slowed down at the start of Year 2.

The prediction of a big season for the former Utah star doesn’t make sense given the roster. But witnessing Vele’s sticky fingers and sharp routes raises the question: What if contract talks with Courtland Sutton do not result in an extension? Vele definitely looks like a long-term answer as his replacement.

You know the circumstances, right? The Broncos entered into a staring contest with Sutton last offseason, creating acrimony as he skipped voluntary workouts before the sides reached an awkward compromise — a restructured contract with $1.7 million in incentives. Sutton, a revered team captain, cashed in $1.5 million with the best performance of his career, reaching individual thresholds while helping the Broncos make the playoffs.

So, here we are again. Sutton is entering the final season of a four-year, $60.1 million extension. He is due $13.5 million this year with no guaranteed money remaining on his contract. And he made a strong case to get paid with 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns last fall.

As recently as April, Sutton told The Denver Post that he believed talks were “moving in the right direction.” Still, there has been no deal. And no leaked updates.

Did Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins ruin this for everyone?

Higgins agreed to a four-year, $115 million contract with $40.9 million guaranteed this offseason. He is a No. 2 receiver who is viewed as a No. 1. Sutton is a No. 1 who is viewed as a No. 2.

Tomayto, tomahto.

Sutton wants another big bite at the apple. As he should — and likely deserves.

He can ask for north of $25 million per season, despite being three years older (29 to 26) than Higgins. That simple request, if issued as a firm demand, could complicate matters.

All-Pros Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen are considered higher priorities for extensions.

And let’s be honest, it’s hard to see the Broncos rewarding three players before the season starts. It is not impossible. But it feels unlikely. This math and the drafting of Sai’vion Jones are why no one expects standout defensive end John Franklin-Myers to get a new deal.

The Broncos can’t pay everybody. And in Sutton’s case, Sean Payton’s history of turning players like Vele into standouts works against him.

Marques Colston, anyone? Colston, too, was a seventh-rounder and finished his career with 711 catches and 72 touchdowns.

Vele is not Colston. But he is also not your typical second-year player. Vele went on a Mormon mission after high school when he received exactly zero college offers. He arrived in Utah with uncommon maturity and determination. He earned a scholarship as Utah coach Kyle Whittingham raved, “There is nothing not to like about him.”

History appears to be repeating itself in the NFL. At 27, Vele approaches his craft with a seriousness and focus that grows on coaches. He has the traits to evolve into a bigger role — 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds with the ability to make the difficult look routine. He was built for the quick slant and the slow developing crossing routes, while third-round pick Pat Bryant profiles for Lil’ Jordan Humphrey’s blocking role.

By the end of last season, after overcoming a rib injury in the season opener that cost him three games, Vele was a second option behind Sutton. He scored twice over the final three weeks. It makes projection fascinating. He played 52% of the offensive snaps and was targeted 55 times. If that number jumps to 70% and 75 targets, he should post 700 yards and five touchdowns.

You know who that is? Tim Patrick. The same player who was cast for a bigger role in 2023 before he tore his Achilles in training camp.

Yes, it is June. The season for hypotheticals and What-Ifs. But know this: If the Broncos play hardball with Sutton, Vele’s ascension will likely be one of the reasons.

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