Jerry Jeudy entered the season in a complicated situation. The Cleveland Browns added two rookie wide receivers, which was pretty much an admission of Jeudy's failure to establish himself as a true alpha in Cleveland.
KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston were the talk of the hour throughout training camp, and they've been the passing game's go-to pass catchers over the first six weeks of the season.
Jeudy has fallen behind in the pecking order — but he's still filling a meaningful role.
Deshaun Watson has looked the veteran's way in the clutch. That happened again in the win over the Baltimore Ravens, with a 33-yard gain helping the Browns get into field-goal range.
Given the Browns' new depth chart, Jeudy has been an obvious trade candidate for months now, and his lack of usage hasn't helped ease doubts. Entering Week 7, he's played 58.5% of Cleveland's offensive snaps.
Even so, he's said and done all the right things about his situation, and it seems like the Browns are planning to keep him as they vie for a playoff berth.
“It’s pretty difficult, as a receiver, wanting to be out there and compete, wanting to be involved in the game plan, wanting to go out there and make plays, but you can’t let that discourage you, got to stay focused and wait your turn, week by week, and eventually once your number's called, make a play and that’s what I did,” Jeudy told reporters after the Ravens win.
Jerry Jeudy is embracing his new reality with the Cleveland Browns
Head coach Todd Monken has been nothing but supportive of Jeudy. His recent endorsement doesn't sound like a coach who would be OK with the team moving on from the veteran wideout, and while anything can change, it feels like Jeudy is also embracing this new reality.
That's been a pleasant surprise. For most of his career, Jeudy has drawn criticism for apparent character issues and a lack of accountability, and he hasn't been known as the most coachable guy.
That hasn't seemed to be the case this season.
Jeudy has put his head down and gotten to work. He's stayed ready for whenever the Browns have needed him, and he's been supportive of the youngsters. He could've been a distraction or pouted about his role, but he legitimately looks happy to help.
Truth be told, the Browns shouldn't be in a hurry to move him at this point. His trade value might not justify giving up the veteran experience he brings to the table, and it's not like they don't have a role for him.
Cleveland has used 11 personnel, with three wide receivers on the field, on 72% of their plays this season; that's the fourth-highest rate in football, per Sharp Football Analysis.
Also, the Browns' wide receiver room could be an injury away from being in a tough spot. Isaiah Bond didn't look the part when he replaced Concepcion against the Jets in Week 5, and there's not much to work with outside of the top three at the position.
Jeudy and the Browns have found a formula that's working, and he's still making the most money of any receiver on the team. So unless a team comes knocking with an offer the Browns can't refuse, it looks like the former Denver Bronco will stay in Berea.
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