If you’ve spent any time watching the Denver Broncos over the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something. Courtland Sutton is basically the king of the "how did he catch that?" moment. But honestly, when you look at the courtland sutton career stats, you start to see a picture of a guy who has survived one of the most chaotic quarterback carousels in NFL history.
We aren't just talking about a tall receiver who can jump high. We are talking about a player who has somehow managed to put up elite-level production while playing for a team that has felt like it was in a permanent state of rebuilding since 2018.
Breaking Down the courtland sutton career stats (By the Numbers)
Most people focus on the touchdowns, and yeah, those are flashy. But the real story is in the consistency.
As of the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, Sutton has officially crossed the 6,000-yard mark. Think about that for a second. Over 450 catches and nearly 40 touchdowns. He's been the primary target in Denver through offensive coordinators that changed faster than the Colorado weather.
Let’s look at the raw production from his start to where he stands now:
- Total Career Receptions: 453
- Total Receiving Yards: 6,357
- Touchdowns: 39
- Average Yards per Catch: 14.0
- 1,000-Yard Seasons: 3 (2019, 2024, 2025)
The 2025 season was actually kinda special. Sutton finished with 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and 7 touchdowns. It was his second consecutive year over the 1,000-yard hump. People thought he might slow down after turning 30 in October, but if anything, his chemistry with Bo Nix has only made him more dangerous. He’s become that reliable "safety blanket" that every young QB needs to survive the league.
The 2023 Touchdown Explosion
Before we get too deep into the yardage, we have to talk about 2023. It was weird, right? Sutton only had 772 yards—which is fine, but not eye-popping—yet he hauled in 10 touchdowns.
Basically, he became a red-zone cheat code. He was catching passes with one hand, pinning balls against his helmet, and making defenders look silly in the corner of the end zone. That year proved that even when the yardage isn't there, his value to the scoreboard is massive.
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Why the 2020 ACL Injury Matters
You can’t talk about his career trajectory without mentioning the 2020 season. It was a nightmare.
In just the second game of the year against Pittsburgh, Sutton went down with a torn ACL. He finished that season with just 3 catches for 66 yards.
It took him a while to get that "burst" back. In 2021 and 2022, he was clearly still finding his legs, averaging about 13 yards per catch but only scoring four total touchdowns across those two seasons. Critics were starting to whisper that he might have lost a step.
Honestly? They were wrong. The way he bounced back in 2024 and 2025 shows that he just needed time. He's more agile now than he was pre-surgery, mostly because he’s learned how to use his 6-foot-4 frame to shield defenders. He doesn't need to outrun you if he can just out-muscle you.
Quarterback Stability and the Bo Nix Era
If you want to understand why the courtland sutton career stats took a jump recently, look at the guy throwing the ball.
Since Sutton entered the league, he’s caught passes from Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Brandon Allen, Jeff Driskel, Brett Rypien, Teddy Bridgewater, Russell Wilson, and Jarrett Stidham. That is a lot of different arm talents and personalities to adjust to.
Enter Bo Nix.
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In 2025, Sutton and Nix finally gave Denver something they haven't had since the Peyton Manning era: a clear WR1/QB1 connection. Sutton saw 120 targets this year. That’s the kind of volume that turns a good receiver into a Pro Bowler.
- Volume: 120 targets in 2025.
- Efficiency: 13.7 yards per catch.
- Red Zone: 7 scores, often in high-leverage moments.
- Clutch Factor: 52 first downs recorded this season alone.
The "Contested Catch" Myth
There’s a misconception that Sutton is just a "jump ball" guy. While it’s true he’s amazing at those, his 2025 metrics show he’s actually improved a lot in his route running.
According to PFF, Sutton’s average depth of target (ADoT) was around 13.3 yards this past season. He’s operating in that intermediate-to-deep range where windows are tight. He’s not just waiting for the ball; he’s creating space.
He’s also surprisingly durable now. Aside from that 2020 fluke, he’s played in almost every game. He suited up for all 17 games in 2024 and 2025. In a league where WRs are constantly dealing with soft tissue issues, Sutton is a tank.
Financial Context: The $92 Million Man
It’s worth noting that the Broncos put their money where their mouth is. In July 2025, Sutton signed a four-year, $92 million extension. That contract essentially guarantees he’ll retire a Bronco.
When you look at the courtland sutton career stats, you see why they paid him. You aren't just paying for the 1,000 yards; you’re paying for the leadership. He’s the longest-tenured offensive player on the team. He’s the guy the rookies look to when things get sideways in the fourth quarter.
Comparing Sutton to Denver Legends
Is he Demaryius Thomas? Not quite yet. DT had that incredible stretch of five straight 1,000-yard seasons. But Sutton is climbing the ladder.
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He currently sits in the top tier of Broncos history for receiving yards and touchdowns. If he maintains this pace for another three seasons—which is totally doable given his playstyle—he’ll likely end up in the Ring of Fame.
- Rod Smith: The untouchable gold standard.
- Demaryius Thomas: The peak of physical dominance.
- Courtland Sutton: The bridge between eras.
What to Watch for Next
If you're a fantasy manager or just a Broncos die-hard, the "stat to watch" isn't necessarily his total yards. It's his catch percentage.
In his early years, Sutton was often below 55% because he was being fed low-probability deep balls. This year, he was closer to 60%. As Bo Nix matures, that number should rise. If Sutton starts catching 80+ balls a year instead of 60 or 70, his yardage could easily push 1,200.
Basically, Sutton has transitioned from a raw prospect into a master technician. He’s the veteran who knows exactly how to lean into a cornerback's hip to create three inches of space. And in the NFL, three inches is a mile.
To get a true sense of his value, keep an eye on his "First Down Percentage." In 2025, over 70% of his catches resulted in a first down. That’s how you keep drives alive. That’s how you win games.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Evaluate the QB connection: Watch the target share in the first quarter of games. When Nix looks for Sutton early, the Broncos' win probability spikes.
- Red Zone usage: Sutton is currently 11th in the league for receiving TDs. If Denver’s run game stays strong, expect more play-action looks for Sutton in the "high red zone" (15-20 yard line).
- Longevity: At 30 years old, Sutton is in his prime for a "big-bodied" receiver. His game doesn't rely on 4.3 speed, which means he could easily produce at this level until he's 34 or 35.
- Contract Value: With the WR market exploding, his $23M-per-year average actually looks like a bargain compared to some of the younger guys hitting free agency.
Sutton is no longer just a "promising" player. He is the definitive veteran leader of the Denver Broncos, and his career stats finally reflect that status.