Broncos' Sutton likens Wilson to Manning: 'The juice is just different'

The Denver Broncos' voluntary offseason workouts have just started, but wide receiver Courtland Sutton can already feel quarterback Russell Wilson's effect in the building.

"You all can feel it, we all can feel it. The juice is just different," Sutton said Tuesday. "I wasn't around when Peyton (Manning) was here, but what I'm hearing from everyone that was here when Peyton was here is that the juice and the energy (are) pretty similar."

Denver has struggled to find stability at quarterback since Manning retired at the end of the 2015 season. The Broncos, who won four division titles with Manning under center from 2012-15, have missed the postseason in six consecutive years while starting 10 different signal-callers. Teddy Bridgewater started most games last year, posting a 7-7 record.

The Broncos acquired Wilson this offseason in a blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The nine-time Pro Bowler joins Denver with two Super Bowl appearances and one title on his resume.

"We have a guy that has been at the top of that mountain before, has won a Super Bowl before, does know what it's like to be at the highest level for his position and to lead a team to a Super Bowl," Sutton said. "I think everyone in the building understands the expectation. The standards are being risen to everyone's best ... Everyone in the building is understanding that we have to operate at a different level."

Sutton led all Broncos wide receivers last season with 58 catches and 776 yards. The 26-year-old, who was limited to only one game in 2020 due to a torn ACL, set career highs in 2019 with 72 receptions, 1,112 yards, and six touchdowns. He earned a Pro Bowl nod that year.

The 2018 second-round pick was due to hit free agency this offseason but inked a four-year, $60.8-million extension in November.