Trade rumors seem to follow wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. The Cleveland Browns are reportedly seeking a third- or fourth-round draft pick in a trade for the veteran wide receiver.
Before signing with the Browns in 2024, Jeudy was also rumored to be on the trade block. He started his career in 2020 with the Denver Broncos but quickly fell out of favor with that team and its fans.
Now in his third season in Cleveland, we continue to hear about the trade possibilities for Jeudy. Why exactly Jeudy is seemingly always rumored to be trade bait is anyone's guess. However, it likely has a lot to do with his demeanor on and off the field. He doesn't come across to fans as a lovable and caring teammate.
With trade rumors swirling, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler addressed some of the current speculation surrounding Jeudy, hinting that a deal may not come to fruition prior to next month's trade deadline.
“At wide receiver, Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy is an intriguing name because of the emergence of rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in Cleveland. But some key context here: The Browns feel they have a good team; the offense needs at least three capable receivers, and Jeudy had multiple key catches against Pittsburgh [in Week 4]. The Browns are big on value, so all attractive offers will be considered, but I'm not totally sold that they actually move him.”
The latest rumors being circulated are likely stemming from Jeudy's most recent lackluster performance against the New York Jets — three catches on seven targets for 19 yards. Jeudy has caught only eight passes for 81 yards total through five weeks.
Jerry Jeudy hasn't given the Browns enough reasons to keep him
Jeudy's career has been average at best. His one shining moment was in 2024 with the Browns when he caught 90 passes for 1,229 yards and had four touchdowns. Every other season has been subpar. He spent four seasons in Denver and had a campaign where he caught 67 passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns.
In Fowler's review of the Browns' wide receiver room, he mentioned the team needing three reliable wide receivers. While Jeudy is the veteran of the group, he's not exactly leading by example. As I mentioned earlier, his demeanor on the team hasn't been stellar.
There have been many moments during games or after contests when he doesn't seem engaged with his teammates. He has a history of making mistakes or dropping passes in key moments. While I understand the idea of wanting a veteran in the wide receiver room, I think the negativity of keeping Jeudy around will continue to hurt the team.
Next season, Jeudy will carry a $13.4 million cap hit, per Spotrac. The Browns would need to absorb north of $25 million in dead cap if he's released prior to June 1. He's owed a $21 million option bonus in 2027 and would earn close to $23 million total if he remains on the roster.
The NFL trade deadline is coming up on Nov. 10. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on Jeudy being traded by Cleveland. The positives don't outweigh the negatives with him.
While I think we've seen glimpses of Jeudy's capabilities, it's just not enough to justify finishing the season with him.
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