The NFL’s two equine-acquainted franchises both took the opportunity to extend veteran players as training camps across the league moved into their second week.

The Denver Broncos tied down their number one receiver, cementing Courtland Sutton’s place in the Mile High City having been the subject of trade rumours — mostly initiated by sources outside of the club — over the offseason.

With a new four-year, $92m deal in his back pocket, Sutton can look to build on the career numbers he posted in 2024, with 1,081 yards and 81 catches to his name as the Broncos enjoyed a playoff run under head coach Sean Payton. Sutton also grabbed eight touchdowns on the year which, added to the 10 he recorded in 2023, made him one of just five NFL players with at least that many scores over the last two years.

Prior to Payton’s arrival — since when he has racked 140 catches for 1,853 yards and 18 touchdowns — Sutton had consecutive seasons with two, two and zero touchdowns, but was still the Broncos’ leading receiver in three of the last four seasons. He also ranked first in the NFL on third down in terms of receiving yards, first downs and receptions of at least 20 yards.

“He’s a strong target,” Payton told the team’s official website after Monday’s practice. “He’s smart [and] clearly one of our leaders on this team. There’s a lot of things that he brings to the table.”

Sutton needs another 84 catches and 861 yards to surpass Ed McCaffrey for fifth spot in franchise history.

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Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, the Colts signed left tackle Bernhard Raimann to a contract extension of his own, tying the Austrian-born player to a four-year, $100m deal.

Drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Central Michigan — where he was converted from tight end — Raimann has emerged not only as one of the most successful overseas players in the league, but one of the best at his position full stop. Despite a shaky start to his career, undoubtedly the result of having played only 18 games in college, the 27-year-old has now started 40 games ‘for the shoe’ over the last three seasons, earning the 10th-highest PFF grade amongst tackles with at least 750 snaps over the past two seasons as just one of four at his position to feature in the top ten for both run and pass blocking.

“Bernhard has worked extremely hard and this contract extension is a testament to his character, dedication and persistence,” general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. “He exemplifies each of our team’s four pillars and is a leader in our locker room. I’m excited for him and his family on this well-deserved contract extension.”