Now that NFL teams have gotten through their OTAs, which are considered to be voluntary, players will have to report to minicamps next week on what is considered to be a mandatory basis. However, those looking for more money, such as Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, may continue to be absent.
Sutton, 28, is set to make $13.6 million in 2024. He is looking for a marginal pay increase in the $15-16 million per year range. It remains to be seen if the Broncos will comply with that but if Sutton misses all three days of the camp that runs from Jun 11-13, he could be subject to a total fine of over $100,000.
The fine schedule for missing mandatory minicamp:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2024
🏈1st day: $16,953
🏈2nd day: $33,908
🏈3rd day: $50,855
Total: $101,716.
By skipping mandatory minicamp, Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb and 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk will be subject to $101,716 in fines. pic.twitter.com/tIglzBWEek
Many fans are going to consider this to be "pocket change" and though to an NFL player that might be true, it still sets the right example for a team leader to be there for his team. Head coach Sean Payton believes that Sutton will be there and even threw a joke in as to why he hasn't been with the team this offseason.
Could you imagine if Courtland Sutton was missing OTAs because he didn’t like the Broncos’ new uniforms 😂 https://t.co/40sJh99MfA
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 5, 2024
The Broncos still have time to work a new deal out with Sutton, should they choose to go that route. However, his name also continues to come up in trade talks.
Sutton caught 10 touchdown passes for the Broncos last year. He has yet to work with first-round pick Bo Nix this offseason, and time is ticking.
