Jerry Jeudy is getting a fresh start in Cleveland.
The Browns swung a deal for the Broncos' 24-year-old wide receiver Saturday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Cleveland will pair Jeudy with Amari Cooper to form a more dynamic receiving duo for QB Deshaun Watson.
Denver selected Jeudy with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 draft, but he struggled to emerge as the legitimate No. 1 receiver envisioned by the Broncos. The Alabama product never posted a 1,000-yard season and saw his production dip in 2022 even as Denver's passing game improved.
The Browns' offense has largely centered on the running game during Kevin Stefanski's head coaching tenure, but a serious injury to Nick Chubb forced Cleveland to reimagine its game plan in 2023. With Chubb's timeline for return still up in the air, the Browns are preparing to give Watson what he needs to find success through the air in 2024.
Here are the complete details of Saturday's deal between the Browns and Broncos.
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Jerry Jeudy trade details
The Browns sent two draft picks to the Broncos in exchange for Jeudy, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Here is the full deal:
Browns receive
- WR Jerry Jeudy
Broncos receive
- 2024 fifth-round pick (No. 135)
- 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 202)
Cleveland is sending 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks to Denver for Jerry Jeudy, per source. https://t.co/sW0fRr2Lxq
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2024
The trade might invoke memories of the Browns' deal for Amari Cooper from 2022, when Cleveland landed its No. 1 receiver from the Cowboys in exchange for a fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick swap. GM Andrew Berry bought low on Cooper, who was a candidate for release after a down season in Dallas, and Cooper has since become a centerpiece of the Browns' offense.
While Jeudy hasn't necessarily shown the same promise Cooper did early in his career, the Browns similarly land the former first-round pick for Day 3 selections in a low-risk move. Cleveland also isn't counting on Jeudy becoming a No. 1 receiver, as he is being brought in as a complementary piece alongside Cooper and TE David Njoku.
Jeudy figures to be thrilled about teaming up with Cooper, as both played at Alabama and Cooper reportedly inspired Jeudy to play for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.
New Browns WR Jerry Jeudy looked up to fellow South Florida native Amari Cooper coming up, Cooper was a reason why Jeudy went to Bama, and Jeudy has patterned his game after Cooper's. Add that to the contract-year dynamic, and the Browns are well-positioned to maximize Jeudy.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2024
Jeudy totaled 758 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games with the Broncos in 2023, averaging 14 yards per reception. He set a career-high with 972 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.
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Jerry Jeudy contract
Jeudy is heading into the final season of his rookie contract and will play the 2024 season under the deal's fifth-year option. He's set to make $12.99 million in 2024.
Jeudy's impending free agency is one reason why the trade compensation isn't as significant as some might expect. He's effectively a one-year rental, and not a particularly cheap one at nearly $13 million.
Still, the Browns can always make a play to sign Jeudy to an extension if he lives up to their expectations in 2024. Just as Cooper has made Cleveland his home, Jeudy could be the right fit after struggling to find his footing in Denver.
