Sutton can sail out of Broncos Country
CAUGHT OFF GUARD >> To think only a year ago there was much debate in Broncos Country on whether it would be Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy who would finish as a top 10 wide receiver in the NFL while playing on a Super Bowl caliber offense led by Russell Wilson. A year is an eternity in sports.
— D. B., watching time fly
KIZ >> Sutton has lost that loving feeling. “I just want to be where I’m wanted and appreciated,’ Sutton tweeted Friday, as trade rumors swirled. With an $ 18.2 million cap hit for this year looming, Sutton has produced a total of four touchdowns the past two seasons. Where does the staff here at Kickin’ It Headquarters sign up for being underappreciated like that?
BRONCOS WISH LIST >> In free agency, I would like to see the Broncos add San Francisco right tackle Mike Mcglinchey, Arizona defensive lineman
Zach Allen and Chicago running back David Montgomery. I also would love adding a center or guard, if general manager George Paton can swing it.
— Andrew, Tampa, Fla.
KIZ >> This free- agency period is make- or- break for Paton. For all the grief John Elway got for being a poor roster architect, Paton has been worse. I’m here to help with a shopping list for Paton to take to the free- agent market. The Broncos absolutely must get a decent right tackle, and with Jawaan Taylor, Kaleb Mcgary and Mcglinchey available, if Paton gets it wrong, he should be gone. To beef up the running attack, I like Miles Sanders of Philadelphia. My underthe- radar tout is linebacker Drue Tranquill from the Chargers. And the Broncos need a legit back- up quarterback; how about Taylor Heinicke?
ANOTHER DB? >> I know it’s a dream scenario, but I hope the Broncos have cleared enough money off the books to trade for Los Angeles Rams cornerback for Jalen Ramsey.
— Gary, fantasy footballer
KIZ >> Ramsey? A starting cornerback for the Broncos? You might be crazy, but I like your bold thinking. Sean Payton didn’t take the gig as coach to suffer through a three- year rebuilding project. My crazy idea? Make a trade with Tennessee for running back Derrick Henry, then tell Wilson to get under center, hand off the rock and get out of the way.
CAN’T HACKETT >> In other news, it seems the New York Jets are trying to out- do our Broncos. What’s worse than hiring Nathaniel Hackett to coach and not getting Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback? Hiring Hackett and getting Rodgers.
KIZ >> Well, as long as we’re wandering down the road not taken, would the Broncos be closer to playoff contention if they had drafted Justin Fields to play quarterback instead of teasing us with Rodgers and spending $ 245 million on Wilson as a consolation prize?
STICKING AROUND >> And today’s parting shot is a reminder of what a blessing it has been to have a 40- year relationship with sports fans in this dusty old cowtown.
I grew up reading the great Jim Murray, the legendary sports columnist for The Los Angeles Times. Kiz, you are the only reason I just renewed my subscription to The Denver Post for another year. Keep up the great work, telling it like it is.