5 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could trade for to replace DJ Chark

4. Courtland Sutton

Yes, Broncos head coach Sean Payton has said they are not trading Sutton or fellow wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. But the next time a coach or general manager should be fully believed regarding not trading someone, or having “no intention” to trade someone, will be the first time. Reports suggest the Broncos have, or have had if you buy what Payton is selling, high asking prices for both of their current top two wide receivers as they are rumored to have pursued some other options.

Somewhat like Hopkins, at least on the surface, taking on Sutton’s contract might be a non-starter for any teams who have (or have had) interest. But it would not require taking on the full three years that are left, with a potential out in 2024 and a very easy out in 2025. So any narrative that the contract is any kind of inescapable cost, or even an albatross of some kind, is missing the full picture. Sutton is also younger than Hopkins (27).

Despite what Payton said, as if he would say anything else, Sutton is theoretically available and the idea the Broncos had been shopping him didn’t appear out of the thin mountain air in Denver. The Lions should have a level of interest here.