Matt Johnson
Hours out from kickoff of NFL games today and with the NFL trade deadline two days out, one team has reportedly emerged as a viable threat to land Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy by Tuesday.
Jeudy, age 24, has been floated in NFL trade rumors since the offseason. The Broncos’ coaching staff is high on the receiving corps, with rookie Marvin Mims playing well enough to earn a larger role in the offense. Denver originally attempted to trade Jeudy this offseason, but no team met its asking price.
- Jerry Jeudy contract: $2.68 million salary in 2023, $12.98 million cap hit 2024
Related: Denver Broncos facing one significant hurdle in Jerry Jeudy trade
A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, selected 15th overall, the 6-foot-1 receiver has primarily functioned as a role player in the Broncos’ offense this season. While he recorded a season-high 81 receiving yards in Week 3, Jeudy has finished under 55 receiving yards four times this year.
The Broncos have also fielded trade calls on wide receiver Courtland Sutton, with many around the NFL believing one of the two pass-catchers will be moved by the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline. As of Saturday night, it appears Jeudy is likeliest to be moved.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, an unidentified NFL team has made what sources have described as a “good offer” for Jeudy.
- Jerry Jeudy stats 2023: 25 receptions, 286 receiving yards, 11.4 ypr
However, per Florio, despite the proposal standing out above all other offers Denver doesn’t like what’s on the table. Heading into Sunday, Sean Payton and the Broncos’ front office reportedly believe the offers for Jeudy aren’t sufficient enough to make a deal.
Denver will likely experience significant challenges receiving what it wants in a trade for Jeudy. Once viewed as one of the most polished route-runners entering the NFL Draft, Jeudy has not displayed significant progress in recent seasons.
Related: Surprise AFC team could pursue Jerry Jeudy
Inconsistency has also been an issue for the former Alabama Crimson Tide star. As a rookie, he turned 113 targets into 2 receptions for 856 receiving yards, averaging a career-best 16.5 yards per reception. He followed that up with 38 receptions for 457 yards without a score in 2021.
Jeudy had seemed to rebound last season, turning 100 targets into career-highs in receptions (67) and receiving yards (972). However, he’s become a secondary option in Payton’s offense this season.
While Jeudy still has value around the league, NFL teams view him more as a No. 3 receiver. Considering any team that acquires him would be on the hook for Jeudy’s fifth-year option – $12.98 million fully guaranteed in 2024 – his trade value takes an even bigger hit. Ultimately, the Broncos’ decision on whether to trade Jeudy or keep him could be dictated by Sunday’s outcome against the Kansas City Chiefs.
