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Denver Flashpoint: Patrick Surtain II Tears Into Rookie Who Stormed Out of Camp After Learning a Lower Pick Landed a Fatter Payday

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Denver, CO – August 11, 2025 — The rhythm at Broncos camp wobbled when a promising rookie abruptly left the practice field after hearing that a teammate drafted later reportedly holds a larger “total contract value.”

The central figure is OLB Que Robinson (4th round, Alabama), who had just impressed in the preseason win over the San Francisco 49ers—reading screens well and looking solid on special teams. According to several voices inside the building, Robinson boiled over when he compared his deal to P Jeremy Crawshaw (6th round, Florida) — who is believed to have a larger overall package due to contract structure.

Defensive captain Patrick Surtain II did not sugarcoat it:

“Skipping practice over a contract? That’s weak. In Denver, at Mile High, we work in thin air and earn our place. We’ve turned down bigger money just to wear orange and blue — if you can’t handle that, hand your jersey to someone who’ll actually fight for it,"

Sources say the flare-up happened less than 48 hours after Robinson’s standout outing, leaving the locker room puzzled. Crawshaw—at the center of the comparison—continues to compete for the starting job with strong technique and the ability to pin opponents deep.

Head coach Sean Payton kept it brief before returning to the plan:

“Our standard is availability, accountability, and daily improvement. How you handle your business matters as much as how you play.”

With roster cuts approaching, Denver’s focus remains on install, special-situations work, and sorting the back half of the depth chart. Whether Robinson returns quickly or this becomes a turning point in his rookie season is unclear. For now, the message at Mile High is unmistakable: commitment comes before contracts.

Pittsburgh Steelers Reach Agreement with Safety Shilo Sanders, Pending Medical Evaluation Amid Personal Drama, per source
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding intrigue to their practice squad plans, reaching an agreement with safety Shilo Sanders. The deal remains subject to a medical evaluation before it can be made official, leaving his status uncertain. Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, brings both pedigree and baggage. Known for his ball-hawking instincts, he also carries a reputation for injuries and personal drama that have followed him throughout his career. Undrafted in 2025, Sanders signed with Tampa Bay and appeared in three preseason games. His stint ended abruptly after an ejection against Buffalo for unnecessary roughness, prompting the Buccaneers to waive him on August 24. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh sees potential value. Sanders collected 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles across 41 college games, with his 2023 season at Colorado highlighting his ability to create turnovers and lead a defense. The Steelers’ secondary has dealt with depth concerns, and Sanders’ versatility offers a possible solution. He can rotate at safety, provide nickel coverage, and contribute on special teams — all traits valued in Pittsburgh’s defensive culture. However, health remains the deciding factor. Sanders suffered an ACL tear in 2022 and missed time again in 2024 due to nagging injuries. Team doctors will determine whether his body can withstand NFL competition. Layered over the medical risk is the personal drama surrounding Sanders. Legal battles, financial trouble, and family headlines have raised questions about his focus, but the Steelers have a history of managing strong personalities. For Sanders, joining Pittsburgh would represent another opportunity to reset his NFL path. If he clears medical evaluation, he could find a stable environment to prove he belongs in the league despite the noise around him.