The Cleveland Browns have rocketed out to a surprising 2-1 start this season, putting them within reach of the AFC North title. But the young season hasn't been so kind to everyone on Cleveland's roster. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, the fourth-most expensive player in the building, has just two receptions through the first three weeks of the year.
He's faded into the background of the offense as rookie wideouts Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion have taken over. If he's not part of Todd Monken's plans moving forward, the Browns may need to consider trading him.
They may never have a better opportunity to do so. With Mike Evans potentially set to miss multiple weeks with a rib injury, the San Francisco 49ers desperately need wide receiver help. If the Browns are going to trade Jeudy, now is the time to do it.
Browns shouldn't hesitate to trade Jerry Jeudy to 49ers after Mike Evans injury
Without Evans in the lineup, the 49ers are left with Deebo Samuel, Jacob Cowing, Khadarel Hodge, and Jordan Watkins as the only receivers on their active roster. Brandin Cooks, who is currently on the practice squad, will likely be promoted to the active roster.
San Francisco has already lost Ricky Pearsall and De'Zhaun Stribling to long-term injuries this season. Still hoping for a Super Bowl run, they may be willing to shell out some draft capital for help at the wide receiver position.
The Browns shouldn't necessarily be sellers after their 2-1 start, but Jeudy doesn't seem to have a significant role in Monken's offense. He didn't earn a target in Week 3 despite running 26 routes. He currently ranks sixth on the team in targets and is tied with tight end Blake Whiteheart in catches.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, the Browns aren't considering trading Jeudy at this point. They should be. Boston and Concepcion have already shown that they can take significant target shares, and Harold Fannin Jr. is clearly capable of being a top option. If trading Jeudy would bring in a significant draft pick, it should be a no-brainer.
Jeudy's contract wouldn't be a major factor in a potential deal. He only carries a base salary of $1.5 million in each of the next two seasons, making him an enticing target for contending teams.
The compensation will be key here. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes that Jeudy is worth a conditional fourth-round pick, and the 49ers may be willing to pay that price in their current position.
If the 49ers come calling with a mid-round draft pick in hand, the Browns shouldn't hesitate to ship Jeudy off to San Francisco.
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