Free agent contracts show wisdom of signing Patrick and Sutton early
Mar 14, 2022, 3:32 PM
When the Broncos signed Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton to long-term contract during the 2021 season, it raised a few eyebrows at the time. Fast forward four months, however, and it appears as though George Paton was smart to get out ahead of the free-agent market at wide receiver.
In early December, Sutton inked a four-year, $60.8-million contract. At the same time, Patrick agreed to a three-year, $30-million deal.
That’s big money, no doubt. But when it’s put into the context of the contracts being agreed to in the early stage of free agency, they look like pretty darn good deals.
According to reports, two contracts in particular provide good comparisons. They’re fairly hefty contracts for less-accomplished receivers.
Cedrick Wilson agreed to a three-year, $22.8-million contract with the Dolphins. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk netted a four-year, $72-million deal from the Jaguars that could be worth as much as $84 million with incentives.
That’s big money for players who weren’t even the first or second options on their teams last year when everyone was healthy. The career production of those two players pales in comparison to Patrick and Sutton.
In 2021, Kirk had 77 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns with the Cardinals. It was the best season of his four-year career.
By contrast, Sutton had 58 catches for 776 yards and two touchdowns, despite coming off of an ACL injury and playing with Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock at quarterback. The year before he was injury, the Broncos wideout hauled in 72 passes for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns.
To get Sutton for $3-6 million less than Kirk shows the value in the signing. When healthy, the Broncos have the better threat.
Last season, Wilson caught 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns. It was by far his best season, as he previous career highs were 17 receptions, 189 yards and two touchdowns.
By contrast, Patrick had 53 catches for 735 yards and five touchdowns. That comes on the heels of a 51-grab, 742-yard, six-touchdown season in 2020. Better production, with a hodgepodge of quarterbacks.
To get Patrick for a couple of million more per season is a steal. He’s been way more productive than Wilson, by a long shot.
Are Kirk and Wilson good receivers? Yes, and they have plenty of upside. But are they better than Patrick and Sutton? Absolutely not.
In total, the Broncos netted their duo for cheaper. That’s a good day at the office for George Paton.
While other teams spend big now to bolster their offense, Denver did it in December. They just needed the quarterback to make it all come together.
***
