The 2024 NFL offseason for the Denver Broncos was a difficult one. They had to make some tough decisions because of the salary cap situation they were in with quarterback Russell Wilson. They opted to move on from him despite his extension not yet kicking in, resulting in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy being traded to the Cleveland Browns.
In exchange for Jerry Jeudy, the Denver Broncos received fifth and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. That is a far cry from the asking price they reportedly had on him during the 2023 offseason and ahead of the trade deadline last season.
Multiple assets were being sought, as Denver wanted premium draft capital or young players in return. They received neither, which is a big part of the reason why Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes this is a move the team will soon regret.
“If Jeudy proves to be a reliable No. 2 receiver in Cleveland, the Broncos are going to regret letting him go at such a paltry price. They don’t have a lot of proven receiver depth on their roster—Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds headline the group—and they’re now trying to develop first-round rookie quarterback Bo Nix,” wrote Knox.
The Denver Broncos couldn’t have foreseen how the 2024 NFL Draft would play out before trading Jerry Jeudy to the Browns. But, having as many established weapons around a young quarterback is ideal; the Broncos gave one away for pennies on the dollar.
Upon the trade being completed, Cleveland signed Juedy to a three-year, $52.5 million extension. While that seems steep given his production to this point, Knox explained that is a fair market deal.
Not only does the Alabama product have plenty of room to grow, but he is also making less than other wide receivers around the NFL who many would put in the same tier as him. Christian Kirk, Diontae Johnson and Brandin Cooks are all making more money than Jerry Jeudy on his new deal.
Holding onto Jerry Jeudy for one more season would have provided the Denver Broncos with more value than this trade did. Moving on from a first-round pick, who has been productive when healthy given the circumstances, was less than ideal.
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