Jerry Jeudy Traded to Browns: Fantasy Football Impact & Takeaways (2024)

Early Saturday afternoon, Ian Rapoport reported that the Denver Broncos were in the process of trading WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns. Shortly after the initial report, we learned the return was just a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Though both teams have agreed to the trade, it can’t officially be processed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.

Let’s examine the immediate implications and fantasy impact of Jeudy’s trade to the Browns.

Broncos Trade Jerry Jeudy to Browns

Jerry Jeudy’s trade return tells you all about his value and how he is viewed in the market. Not good. The former 1st-rounder will have a chance to carve out a No. 3 role in the Browns offense competing with the likes of Elijah Moore and last year’s rookie WR, Cedric Tillman. The Browns needed to add a WR — Moore and Amari Cooper are FAs at the end of the season — so I don’t hate the move by Cleveland to take a flier for late draft picks.

In 2023, Jeudy showcased his route running finesse and quickness, turning his 54 receptions on 87 targets into 758 receiving yards, averaging 14 yards per catch in 2023. However, finding the end zone was less frequent for Jeudy, with only 2 touchdowns to his name. Over the season, he accumulated 114.8 fantasy points, coming out to an average of 7.2 points per game to a WR50 overall finish. Both Courtland Sutton and Jeudy had 1,000-plus air yards (36% vs. 37%), around 90 targets (21% vs. 20%), 750-plus receiving yards, and just under 60 receptions. Hard to see Jeudy breaking the fantasy WR3 mold unless we get elite QB play from Deshaun Watson, in addition to the newcomer playing/earning a full-time role.

Give him to me

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) March 9, 2024

A low-key winner of this move is second-year Broncos WR Marvin Mims. Mims’ role was redundant with Jeudy’s last season, hence his limited playing time. His overall lackluster rookie year was tough due to a lack of opportunity. He ran a route on 41% of the dropbacks – that outside the top 100. And we did see flashes with a 100-yard effort in his second game, along with another 73-yard game when he earned a season-high 5 targets back in Week 3. Was also named Second-Team All-Pro as a returner. Leave the light on for Mims to take off in Year 2 should he play starting snaps, which is much more likely with Jeudy gone.

Broncos HC Sean Payton said at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine that Mims’ progression as a receiver was hindered because he played the same role as Jeudy. WR depth on Denver hurt Mims. Payton also said they were generally happy when they did get Mims involved – duh – and that should continue in Year 2. I’m ready to get hurt again.

– Andrew Erickson