The Denver Broncos have been widely viewed as one of the offseason’s biggest winners, successfully addressing key roster needs. This marks a stark contrast from 2024, when moves like trading Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns were met with skepticism.
However, the Jeudy trade still looms over the Broncos.
On April Fools’ Day, The Barking Browns Show co-host Nick Karns took to social media to mock Denver’s decision, posting on X:
“Happy April Fools’ Day to the Denver Broncos who somehow believed Jerry Jeudy was a bust. Career-high catches (90). Career-high yards (1,229). A bonafide WR1. Cleveland thanks you!”
Karns’ post highlights just how successful Jeudy has been with the Browns, making Denver’s decision to move on from him look questionable in hindsight.
Jerry Jeudy Wanted Trade From Broncos
The Broncos drafted Jerry Jeudy with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft but traded him to the Cleveland Browns for fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2024. Those picks were later used in trade packages to acquire Devaughn Vele, Nick Gargiulo, Troy Franklin Jr., and Zach Wilson.
As for Jeudy, he did not dwell on his departure from Denver. Reflecting on his time with the Broncos, he told TheLandOnDemand.com’s Tony Grossi in November 2024:
“We ain’t never won nothing. We never go to the playoffs. Been a few frustrating years. Now I’m here. Five years is a long time to be patient. I’m not going to say they didn’t get me the ball for five years. Some years I had a few drops, like my rookie year. Other years there were a whole bunch of circumstances I can’t control.”
Jeudy’s comments indicate a sense of relief with his new team, highlighting the frustrations he experienced in Denver during his tenure.
The Cleveland Browns were not Jerry Jeudy’s first potential destination.
In November 2024, The Athletic‘s Zack Rosenblatt and Dianna Russini reported that the Broncos had explored a trade that would have sent Jeudy to the New York Jets. Denver was reportedly eyeing Allen Lazard as part of the deal. However, the trade fell apart after Jets owner Woody Johnson intervened, with sources claiming that “Madden” ratings were part of the reasoning behind the breakdown. While Jeudy was skeptical of that explanation, he expressed satisfaction with how things ultimately turned out.
After the trade to Cleveland, Jeudy signed a three-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Browns, securing his future with the team.
Broncos Searching for WR2
The irony of the Jerry Jeudy trade is that the Broncos are still looking to replace him. Head coach Sean Payton had expected Marvin Mims to step in and fill Jeudy’s role, but Mims continued to split his time between the offense and special teams duties.
Mims finished the 2024 season with a 39-503-6 stat line, while the players acquired with the trade picks—Troy Franklin Jr. and Devaughn Vele—combined for 69 receptions, 738 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns.
Despite this, Payton has expressed confidence in the young receiving corps, but he hasn’t ruled out adding a veteran to the mix. The Broncos have reportedly shown interest in Cooper Kupp and Stefon Diggs this offseason. Alternatively, they could double down on their youth movement and select another receiver in the 2025 draft to further develop their passing game.
As of now, running back is the only clear-cut need for the Broncos. However, with a deep and talented running back class available, they might prioritize other positions before addressing that need.
The question of whether or not they should focus on adding another receiver is still up in the air.
The Broncos are also expected to address Courtland Sutton’s contract this offseason. Sutton is in the final year of his four-year, $60 million deal, which was restructured last offseason into a two-year, $27.5 million pact. Whether Denver will offer him an extension or make other moves will likely play a key role in shaping their receiving corps going forward.
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