Patrick Surtain

Broncos Set High Price On Patrick Surtain

November 1st, 2023 at 4:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

During the leadup to the trade deadline, Patrick Surtain appeared untouchable. In the aftermath, it certainly looks like those reports depicting the Broncos’ belief in the All-Pro cornerback from a long-term perspective were accurate.

That said, the Broncos did set a price for the third-year standout. As teams called on a player deemed out of reach, Denver is believed to have asked for two first-round picks in exchange for Surtain, according to a GM who spoke with the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora. And that cost may not have even sealed a deal. The Broncos set a two-first-rounder baseline for their best player, making it unlikely he would become a true candidate to be moved.

Surtain rocketed to the top tier at his position via a first-team All-Pro showing in 2022, doing plenty to help the Broncos stay in games despite a broken offense. The 23-year-old cover man can be kept on a rookie contract through 2025, with the Alabama alum on a smooth track toward seeing his fifth-year option exercised by May.

The elite perimeter corner has also played a key role in the Broncos recovering from their historic 70-20 loss to the Dolphins. In particular, the team’s first win over the Chiefs since 2015 may have changed the Broncos’ thinking. The 3-5 team shifted a bit on seller’s trades after that win, according to the GM. The Broncos were believed to be “open for business;” that turned out not to be the case.

Justin Simmons also came up frequently in teams’ talks pre-Week 8 talks with the Broncos, and it would not have taken as much to pry away the eighth-year safety. But the standout DB did not emerge in many trade rumors, despite his status as one of the league’s top ballhawks. The Jerry Jeudy–Courtland Sutton pair came up frequently, but the Broncos will regroup with their starting receivers, perhaps with the intent of seeing each rebuild their trade value. Offers for Jeudy and Sutton did not come close to the team’s desired asking prices. Deadline-day proposals are believed to have come in, but Sean Payton‘s updated stance of not shopping anyone turned out to lead to a rare quiet deadline day in Denver.

While Denver’s defense has recovered after a woeful start, the team’s five first-half losses will create an uphill battle toward a potential wild-card berth. The team still has road matchups with the Bills and Lions on its docket. But the Broncos’ batch of trade chips, for the most part, are all under team control through at least 2024. Garett Bolles‘ deal expires after next season, as does Simmons’. Jeudy is due a $12.99MM fifth-year option salary next season, while Sutton’s $15MM-per-year pact runs through 2025.

Russini’s Latest: Broncos, Jets, Eagles

October 29th, 2023 at 10:22am CST by Rory Parks

Dianna Russini of The Athletic has been especially prolific with respect to trade deadline reporting. As we approach the October 31 cutoff, here are a few of Russini’s latest updates from around the league (subscription required):

Broncos wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy have once again featured prominently in this year’s trade rumors. However, a deal has never felt imminent, and none of the current offers that Denver has received have come close to the club’s asking price. One general manager who has spoken with the Broncos told Russini that the team is not “selling cheaply.” Russini confirms previous reports indicating that cornerback Patrick Surtain is not available, despite understandable outside interest in his services.
We heard yesterday that the Bills could be looking to move 2022 first-rounder Kaiir Elam, and Russini reports that Buffalo is looking into cornerback additions. She does not say so specifically, but it could be that the Bills are looking for a replacement for Elam, who has not yet lived up to his draft status.
Rich Cimini of ESPN.com confirms that Jets GM Joe Douglas is willing to move running back Dalvin Cook and edge defender Carl Lawson, especially after both players recently expressed frustration with their current roles. Unsurprisingly, though, Russini reports that Douglas is not getting many calls on either player. Lawson is a healthy scratch for today’s game against the Giants.
Echoing her report from earlier this month, Russini writes that the Cardinals are still not looking to trade wideout Marquise Brown, even though they have received trade interest in the contract-year speedster.
They might be low on cap space, and they might have already made one significant trade acquisition in safety Kevin Byard, but Russini says the Eagles are still looking to buy and are interested in a linebacker. The 49ers are also working the phones and have interest in an edge rusher and a cornerback.
Unlike the Eagles and Niners, the Chiefs, Falcons, and Texans are among the clubs that are expected to stand down at the deadline.

Teams Calling Broncos On Patrick Surtain

October 24th, 2023 at 10:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos have a number of veterans who could be of interest in trades. Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Garett Bolles, Justin Simmons and Josey Jewell reside among them. But Patrick Surtain may sit multiple tiers above his teammates as a potential trade chip.

Although previous reports have indicated the Broncos have no interest in moving their All-Pro cornerback, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes teams have called about the third-year defender. Surtain is signed through 2024, but the former top-10 pick will be locked down through 2025 once the Broncos pick up his fifth-year option by May.

Then-rookie GM George Paton faced criticism after passing on Justin Fields at No. 9 overall in 2021, but the Surtain investment has doubled as the veteran exec’s best move with the Broncos. The second-generation NFL cornerback has been a revelation in Denver, sliding in as one of the league’s best defensive players. Surtain, 23, finished last season as a first-team All-Pro. While both Chris Harris and Aqib Talib earned that distinction in Denver in the years since Champ Bailey‘s retirement, neither was a candidate to become the NFL’s highest-paid corner. Surtain moved into that territory last season and remains the team’s cornerstone piece to start Sean Payton‘s HC tenure.

It is logical for teams to contact the Broncos on Surtain, seeing as they are 2-5 and starting a new era. Paton remains, but Payton is widely viewed as the top power broker in Denver now. Payton was in place when the Saints extended Marshon Lattimore; New Orleans paid Lattimore in September 2021, at the start of his fifth season. Surtain will become extension-eligible in January, though the Broncos having him under team control (via the fifth-year option) may delay a payment until 2025. Regardless of when Surtain is paid, he stands to become one of the NFL’s richest defenders.

Should the Broncos reverse course and consider dealing away their top player, a Jalen Ramsey-like package may be necessary to move the needle. The Rams sent the Jaguars two first-rounders for Ramsey in October 2019, ending a standoff between the fourth-year corner and the Jags. It cost the Buccaneers first- and fourth-rounders to acquire Darrelle Revis in 2013. In a different era (for running back value, at least), Denver needed to send Washington only running back Clinton Portis for Bailey and a second-round pick. That trade occurred in March 2004. Bailey spent 10 seasons in Denver, which added Harris near the end of the Hall of Famer’s run and signed Talib shortly after cutting Bailey. Surtain effectively took the baton soon after Harris’ exit and, barring a trade, should be expected to anchor Payton’s defenses beyond 2023.

Broncos, Colts Discussed Jerry Jeudy; Courtland Sutton Less Likely To Be Dealt?

October 20th, 2023 at 9:28am CST by Sam Robinson

One of the NFL’s trade-rumor fixtures over the past two years, Jerry Jeudy may be in his final days with the Broncos. The 1-5 team is believed to be open for business on several players, and the 2020 first-round pick’s name continues to come up.

The Colts have been connected to Jeudy during this season’s first half, with ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder noting the Broncos called the AFC South team on the fourth-year wide receiver and other players earlier this season. The Colts expressed minimal interest, per Holder, and the longtime Indianapolis reporter doubts a deal will come to pass.

Conversely, 9News’ Mike Klis adds it was the Colts who contacted the Broncos on Jeudy and others. While it appears quite clear the two AFC teams spoke on possible trades, Indianapolis having shut down Anthony Richardson may make a move less likely for a team coming off a one-sided loss in Jacksonville.

The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. in a contract year, and after paying Jonathan Taylor, the team’s plans with the former second-round pick are unclear. Pittman is prepared to depart in 2024, should the organization not view him as a core piece any longer. Indy also used a second-round pick on Alec Pierce last year and a third-rounder on slot target Josh Downs. Pierce has just 149 receiving yards through six games, while Downs (276) is faring better in Shane Steichen‘s offense. Jeudy has shown the ability to play both in the slot and outside in Denver, but the shifty route runner has not been an especially consistent weapon despite his profile.

Indy would make some sense as a Jeudy suitor, but this may not be the right time for the team to buy. But Richardson’s rookie contract would give the Colts flexibility on the talented but inconsistent wideout’s $12.99MM fifth-year option salary. Teams are believed to be hesitant on picking up that fully guaranteed sum, providing a potential impediment toward the Broncos moving Jeudy.

Compensation represents another roadblock. The Broncos are believed to have sought a second-round pick ahead of last year’s deadline but bumped up their price to a first during Sean Payton‘s first offseason in charge. With Jeudy’s 222 receiving yards third on this year’s Denver iteration, a first-rounder never seemed remotely possible. In fact, multiple teams informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that they would be reluctant to part with a Day 2 pick for Jeudy. However, others indicated a late third-rounder could be on the table due to the talent Jeudy has shown in spurts.

Eleven days away from the 2023 deadline, it looks like Jeudy is the more likely Broncos wideout to be dealt. Courtland Sutton has come up frequently in trade talks, though not as often as the younger Broncos receiver, but Fowler and Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano note Jeudy is more likely to be the receiver Denver moves.

The Broncos placed a second-round price on Sutton this offseason, but the 28-year-old target is attached to a $14MM base salary. Jeudy is tied to a $2.68MM base, though his 2024 salary does complicate matters. Sutton is signed through 2025, with nonguaranteed salaries of $13MM and $13.5MM in place past this year. The 6-foot-4 starter’s deal would seemingly be harder to move, but the Broncos’ George Paton-era willingness to eat the bulk of trade chips’ salaries to facilitate deals — as they did with Von Miller and Randy Gregory — could conceivably be a factor with Sutton or other trade pieces on veteran contracts.

The Broncos continue to be viewed as open for business on most of their players. Mentioned as unlikely to be moved earlier this month, Patrick Surtain remains a near-certainty to stay in Colorado past the deadline. Fowler adds NFL personnel laughed at the notion the All-Pro cornerback could be available. While Surtain (whose contract will run through 2025 once the Broncos exercise his fifth-year option) will almost definitely not be on the move, the Broncos will likely make others available. Names like Justin Simmons and Garett Bolles have circulated as options, though Jeudy remains the centerpiece item based on buzz from the 2022 deadline and this offseason.

Broncos ‘Open For Business’ In Trades?

October 11th, 2023 at 10:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

On the whole, the Broncos’ offense has submitted far more competent work compared to a perplexing 2022 season. After finishing last in scoring last season, Denver is 10th through five games. But the defense — a reliable facet for most of the franchise’s post-Peyton Manning years — has faceplanted, ranking last across the board and leading the way in a 1-4 start. Naturally, teams are monitoring the Broncos ahead of the trade deadline.

Denver has made a habit of selling at recent deadlines, unloading Demaryius Thomas (2018), Emmanuel Sanders (2019), Von Miller (2021) and Bradley Chubb (2022). They have already cut bait on Randy Gregory, dealing him to the 49ers. Reports ahead of Week 5 indicated the Broncos were not preparing to be early sellers and that offensive players were not in line to be moved, but after the team dropped another home game, it appears potential buyers believe the retooling squad will be prepared to move assets.

Teams believe Denver will be “open for business” in trades, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, who indicates the team is prepared to listen to offers. While recent reports pointed to the Broncos not being ready to unload key offensive pieces, Graziano adds the team is expected to once again listen to offers for Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton along with talent on defense. The Broncos are not interested in trading Patrick Surtain, per Graziano, as the franchise naturally views the All-Pro cornerback as a building block. But Denver supporting-casters are likely to come up frequently in rumors, especially if the team’s losing streak against the Chiefs continues Thursday night.

“We’re not looking to do business with any of our players. That doesn’t prevent teams from calling at times, so we just — you pick the phone up, that’s kind of where it’s at,” Sean Payton said, via ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold. “We’ve got a good handle on this current roster and our vision for the roster a year from now, that’s the part about improving and getting better.”

GM George Paton was at the controls when the team unloaded Miller (for second- and third-round Rams picks) and Chubb (for Dolphins first- and fourth-rounders, with Chase Edmonds included as salary filler). The third-year GM is almost definitely second in command to Payton this year, and with the longtime Saints coach not present when the most of the team’s trade pieces were initially acquired, it is logical to expect the Broncos to strongly consider moving talent before the Oct. 31 deadline. Players are leery of a potential teardown, NFL.com’s James Palmer notes.

Confirming a weekend report that Frank Clark is likely available, Palmer adds players took notice at the Gregory trade. The Broncos cut an edge rusher who began the season as a starter, agreeing to pay almost all of Gregory’s salary — a tactic they used with Miller to increase trade compensation from the Rams — to convince the 49ers to acquire him. The Broncos accepted a Day 3 pick swap in 2024 for Gregory, who is tied to a five-year, $69.5MM contract. The team will undoubtedly be looking for better returns for other trade chips.

Jeudy and Sutton came up as chips early this offseason, with the Broncos wanting a first-rounder for the former and a second for the latter. The Broncos engaged in “a lot” of conversations about Jeudy and Sutton this offseason, Graziano adds, and the Ravens moved close to acquiring Sutton before their Odell Beckham Jr. signing. Based on the starters’ early-season showings, those asks seem farfetched. Jeudy has totaled 208 receiving yards in four games; Sutton is at 229 in five. Both have submitted better work, but neither has been consistent in Payton’s offense just yet.

Payton’s Saints teams relied on WR1s Marques Colston and Michael Thomas, but his first Broncos squad has spread the ball around. Second-round rookie Marvin Mims leads the team in receiving yards (246), despite being a part-time player on offense. Moving one of the regulars would open the door for Mims, though the Oklahoma-developed deep threat has a clear WR3 window as is. Nevertheless, he has only played 28% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps.

Left tackle Garett Bolles has come up loosely in rumors in the past, including over the weekend, and the Broncos do have swingman Cameron Fleming as insurance. Though, the team experienced rampant O-line health issues last season. Bolles has recovered from the broken leg that ended his 2022 campaign, starting all five games this year. Bolles, 31, is a seventh-year starter who is signed through 2024. Eighth-year safety Justin Simmons turns 30 next month; his $15.25MM-per-year contract runs through 2024. The Pro Bowler is tied to a $14.4MM base salary.

Broncos Notes: Offensive Line, Veteran CB Search, Javonte Williams

June 18th, 2022 at 6:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

With OTAs and mandatory minicamp finished across the league, organizations and media members alike have had the chance to break down some of the elements of the offseason which have stood out the most to them. In the case of the Broncos, 9News’ Mike Klis has detailed some of his key observations.

Among those is the plethora of variances in the team’s offensive line combinations during practices. Klis notes that the most commonly-used unit comprised Garett Bolles and Dalton Risner on the left side, with Lloyd Cushenberry III at center and Quinn Meinerz and Calvin Anderson occupying right guard and right tackle, respectively.

There are a number of other options being plugged into various positions, though. Included among those is Netane Muti, who has seen work with the other starters while filling in at both guard positions, as well as Graham Glasgow, who recently returned to practice to compete for a starting role. Lastly, Klis lists Billy Turner as a veteran who is “expected to play” somewhere along the o-line. The 30-year-old came back to the Broncos on a one-year, $5MM deal this offseason, but is also the linemen most experienced in working with new HC Nathaniel Hackett.

Here are a few other notes from that same Klis piece:

Cornerback had the potential to be an area of need, at least in terms of depth behind Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby and K’Waun Williams, at this point in the offseason. However, Klis cites the play of Michael Ojemudia during the spring as cause for optimism that the team’s best option for the No. 4 role may already be on the roster. The 2020 third-rounder is set to compete with Damarri Mathis, whom the Broncos drafted in the fourth round this year, for that spot. A number of veteran free agents could still “wind up on GM George Paton’s radar,” Klis notes, however.
To no surprise, running back Javonte Williams is expected to “bump up to the 1A role” in 2022. In his rookie season, the North Carolina alum produced over 1,200 scrimmage yards despite splitting carries with Melvin Gordon, who signed a one-year deal to stay in Denver. Given his the former’s efficiency, and the seven-year age gap between the two, Williams is the logical candidate to assume a larger workload going forward.

Denver Emerging As Premier QB Destination

March 5th, 2022 at 6:15pm CST by Ely Allen

We wrote a bit earlier today on the Broncos being among multiple AFC teams who “have trade compensation lined up with the Packers,” in relation to quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Well, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Denver has emerged as a prime location for many of the league’s veteran quarterbacks looking for a potential change of scenery.

The Broncos recently hired former Packers’ offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to replace Vic Fangio, who failed to accomplish a winning season in three years with the Broncos. The former Green Bay staffer represents an obvious and strong connection for Rodgers. Should Rodgers decide to move on from the Packers, having a play-caller that he’s familiar with could add some allure to the Mile High City. Another intriguing aspect that could bring a star quarterback to Denver is the addition of former Vikings’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Kubiak just helped Kirk Cousins turn in one of his best seasons in Minnesota.

Hackett and company inherit an impressive roster posed to perform. The defense is comprised of veterans like outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, safety Justin Simmons, defensive end Shelby Harris, and cornerback Ronald Darby. There are a number of free agents that Denver would like to bring back like cornerbacks Bryce Callahan & Kyle Fuller, defensive back Kareem Jackson, inside linebacker Josey Jewell, and outside linebacker Malik Reed. Even if they fail to bring some of those names back, the Broncos saw impressive seasons last year for youngsters like cornerback Patrick Surtain II, linebacker Baron Browning, defensive end Dre’Mont Jones, and safety Caden Sterns. The list of defensive players above may not overwhelm you with stardom, but, together, the Broncos defense ranked third in the league in points allowed and eighth in the league in yards allowed.

In addition to a brand new offense and stacked defense, Denver boasts a nice array of young offensive weapons. An impressive receiving corps is led by veteran 26-year-old Courtland Sutton, young star Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick, who has broken out a bit over the past two seasons. The Broncos also have two talented, young receiving tight ends in Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam. Any quarterback looking to join in on the fun would potentially have the benefit of a two-headed rushing attack that was 79 yards short of a combined 2,000-yard rushing season. Running back Javonte Williams enjoyed a healthy dose of carries in his rookie season, and there is mutual interest in bringing back Melvin Gordon.

Rodgers is obviously a name to keep an eye on as the decision on his future in Green Bay looms on the horizon. He has said that he will let the Packers know of his intentions before the franchise tag deadline so they can figure out how to deal with free agent wide receiver Davante Adams. In addition to Rodgers, though, keep an eye out for Denver to make moves on other quarterbacks searching for greener pastures. Russell Wilson has long been rumored to be interested in moving on from Seattle, and Deshaun Watson is still searching for a new home.

Whether Rodgers, Wilson, Watson, or some other under-the-radar name, look for the Broncos to make a move for a star quarterback. If they are able to find the right fit, the move could bring them into contention for what could easily turn into the toughest division in football.

Dolphins Complete Coaching Staff

February 19th, 2022 at 11:57am CST by Ben Levine

Mike McDaniel has completed his staff in Miami. The Dolphins announced their full coaching staff this week, and there were a handful of hires that weren’t previously reported.

Specifically, we learned that the organization hired:

Steve Gregory as safeties coach
Chandler Henley as assistant quarterbacks coach
Derrick LeBlanc as assistant defensive line coach
Steve Ferentz as assistant linebackers coach
Mathieu Araujo as assistant defensive backs coach
Kolby Smith as offensive assistant
Ryan Slowik as senior defensive assistant
Patrick Surtain as defensive assistant

Surtain is one of the most familiar names on the list. The former cornerback earned All-Pro honors in both 2002 and 2003, and he earned three Pro Bowl nods throughout his career. The 45-year-old served as a high school head coach for the past six years. His son, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, was the ninth-overall pick in last year’s draft. Gregory had an eight-year playing career, appearing in 111 games (54 starts) in stints with the Chargers and Patriots. Since his career ended in 2014, Gregory has been in the coaching ranks. He spent the 2021 season on the Dolphins staff, serving as a defensive assistant.

Frank Smith will guide the offense as the offensive coordinator, while Josh Boyer is serving as defensive coordinator.