Cleveland Browns Advised to Complete Unfortunate WR Trade

After the Cleveland Browns brought in wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos in 2024, expectations were high that the former first-round pick would thrive in a fresh setting. That optimism seemed justified last season, as Jeudy recorded 90 catches for 1,229 yards and four touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod.

Heading into 2025, excitement around Jeudy was palpable, but the 26-year-old has struggled dramatically this year. Over 12 games, he has only managed 35 receptions for 421 yards and a single touchdown. While the Browns quarterback situation has certainly contributed to his drop in production, its worth noting that the team did not have a top-tier quarterback last year either.

Ernesto Cova of Browns Nation believes that the Browns should seriously evaluate the possibility of parting ways with Jeudy in the offseason. Jeudy possesses immense talent and was a first-round pick for a reason. Yet, there were clear reasons his former team was willing to move on from him before his rookie contract ended, Cova commented. He struggles with coaching and criticism and may have been a one-season standout for Cleveland. The team would be wise to trade him and make him someone elses concern.

Jeudy is currently under a three-year, $52.5 million extension signed when he joined Cleveland, keeping him on the roster through 2027. His $17.5 million average annual salary is not astronomical, but his performance this season has fallen short of expectations. A change of scenery to a contending team could potentially reignite his career.

The Browns might be able to acquire some draft picks from a team in need of a wide receiver in exchange for Jeudy, although its unlikely they would receive more than a fourth-round pick and possibly a late Day 3 selection. While a third-round pick would be ideal, Jeudys limited production in 2025 makes that a remote possibility.

Analysis: Is It Time for the Cleveland Browns to Move On from Jerry Jeudy?

The Cleveland Browns’ acquisition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in 2024 sparked significant excitement, with expectations of a career resurgence after his move from the Denver Broncos. However, after a solid first season with Cleveland, where he posted 90 receptions for 1,229 yards and four touchdowns, Jeudy's performance in 2025 has been disappointing. Through 12 games, Jeudy has only accumulated 35 receptions for 421 yards and one touchdown, leaving many to question his future with the team.

Despite the struggles of the Browns’ quarterback situation, which has contributed to Jeudy's decline in production, it's important to remember that the lack of a top-tier quarterback in 2024 didn't seem to hinder his output. This raises concerns about whether Jeudy can meet the high expectations placed upon him when he was first acquired. Ernesto Cova of Browns Nation suggests that the team should consider parting ways with Jeudy in the offseason, highlighting his inconsistent performance and suggesting that he may have been a one-season standout.

Jeudy’s $17.5 million average annual salary, while not overly burdensome, may still be too much for the Browns to justify if his performance continues to fall short of expectations. The three-year, $52.5 million extension he signed in 2024 locks him in through 2027, but it may also open the door for a potential trade, especially if Cleveland decides that it would be better off reallocating those resources elsewhere.

A trade could see the Browns receive some draft capital in exchange for Jeudy, though it's unlikely that they will get more than a fourth-round pick, given his underwhelming 2025 season. While a third-round pick would be ideal, the lack of production this year significantly lowers the likelihood of that scenario. Ultimately, the Browns may have to accept a modest return if they choose to move on from Jeudy, but it could be the right decision for both the player and the team moving forward.

Sources:

• Cleveland Browns Urged to Make Depressing WR Trade