A No. 1 target is a trade target for a few teams.
Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been the subject of trade rumors since before the 2022 trade deadline, but recent rumors may have him on his way out of the Mile High City sooner rather than later.
According to a report from Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns "haven't closed the door" on trading for the Broncos wideout, though the price may be a bit too rich for Cleveland.
The Broncos are reportedly looking for a first-round pick, though that price can also be amended to a second-round pick and a player. Conflicting reports say that the Broncos have asked for 2021 first-round cornerback Greg Newsome as well as a second-rounder.
MORE: NFL free agency winners and losers — Where Browns rank
The Browns aren't the only interested squad, though: The Patriots have also asked around for receiving help, with some sights set on Jeudy.
Here's why both fits make sense — and maybe not a lot of sense.
— The Browns may be looking for a future star receiver to pair with Amari Cooper. Cooper is under contract through the 2024 season, so the Browns are going to either have to extend him into his 30s or find a younger replacement on an extension. Jeudy, who will turn 24 in April, would fit that mold.
— The Patriots have searched for a legitimate No. 1 receiver for what seems like the better part of a decade. While the dynasty years of Tom Brady oftentimes saw the quarterback throw to Rob Gronkowski or his pick of slot receivers, they haven't often taken big swings at wide receiver. There's also the added benefit of a small bit of familiarity between Jeudy and Mac Jones, as the two overlapped at Alabama.
New England also re-hired Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator this offseason, leaving the horror show of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge in the rearview mirror. The Patriots' offense should feature a little bit more focus on the air game than the Browns, where Kevin Stefanski utilizes a heavy rushing attack.
MORE: Grading all 32 NFL teams free agency period
There's also a matter of a contract extension for Jeudy, which would likely be on the table if he heads to a new squad. The Patriots are currently projected to have an absurd total of $144 million in cap space, while the Browns are scheduled to be $53 million over the cap before making any cost-cutting moves. That may give the Patriots an edge in any trade.
Interestingly, the Cowboys also asked about a trade for Jeudy before pivoting and acquiring Texans receiver Brandin Cooks.
Jeudy remains a Bronco for now, but he could be bucked to an AFC rival if the rumors persist.
