ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting today that Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been traded to the Cleveland Browns. This ends his tumultuous time in Denver where the 2020 first-round draft pick was never able to crack 1,000 yards receiving in any of his four seasons. Jeudy will turn 25 next month so he’s still a young asset who could turn things around with a fresh start in Cleveland. With the NFL combine in our rearview, the legal tampering period (and effectively free agency) starting on Monday March 11th, and the 2024 NFL draft right around the corner, let’s take a look at the fallout of the Jerry Jeudy trade for fantasy football purposes. First, here are the details on the trade, then we’ll look at winners and losers.

 

DENVER BRONCOS GET:

  • 2024 4th Round Pick
  • 2024 5th Round Pick

CLEVELAND BROWNS GET:

WINNERS

Jerry Jeudy, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

We’ll find out for sure how he performs in his new home but on paper this has to be a win for Jeudy because the Denver Broncos don’t currently have a starting quarterback. Russell Wilson is slated to be released leaving Jarrett Stidham as the top option under contract. He’ll have an opportunity to start at slot/flanker immediately for the Browns.

Deshaun Watson, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns

Say what you will about the character of Deshaun Watson but, historically, he’s been a good player for fantasy football. And by historically I mean this - if you take all quarterbacks of all time and sort them by fantasy points per game, Watson is top five. He dealt with shoulder issues last year but should be fully healthy coming off surgery. Adding a weapon like Jeudy should help.

Marvin Mims, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos

Perhaps the biggest winner here is Marvin Mims. Sean Payton was quoted back in October implying that it was difficult to get Jeudy and Mims on the field at the same time due to overlapping skillsets. Recently he told reporters that Mims should expect a bigger role this year. And now this. Good news for Mims, no doubt.

Tim Patrick and Greg Dulcich, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos

The Broncos also announced that Tim Patrick was re-working his deal to stay in Denver. Having one less wide receiver in Denver is good news for him. The same thought process can imply to Greg Dulcich, who also missed all of last year with injury. Less competition over the middle for targets is a good thing if he can earn that starting tight end job. 

NEUTRAL

Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

Arguments could actually be made that having another good wide receiver could open things up for Cooper. But, generally speaking, the top target on the team isn’t hugely impacted by what happens down the depth chart. He’ll be getting his targets and the pain will be felt by the third and fourth pass catchers.

Courtland Sutton, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos

And the same logic applies here. Someone else will step up into Jeudy’s spot but Sutton will remain the big split end on the outside. Unless they also plan to move him…

LOSERS

Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

No doubt, Elijah Moore is the big loser here. They traded for him last year from the Jets and the hope was that he could be the WR2 opposite of Amari Cooper. Now the best bet is for Moore to hold on as the WR3 which would mean he comes out of the game for jumbo sets in favor of tight ends.

Cedric Tillman, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

The hope was that Tillman could be an every down player. But this more likely relegates him to being the field stretcher that comes in for obvious pass situations. Unless he can prove he deserves to be the full-time player opposite Jeudy, he’s now waiting for the 29-year-old Amari Cooper to hang them up.

David Bell, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns

The upside for David Bell was already bleak but this move obviously vaporizes his value.

David Njoku, Tight End, Cleveland Browns

David Njoku was the de facto second target on the team last year. Which was great for his fantasy upside. We were already concerned that the backup QBs like Joe Flacco liked targeting Njoku more than Deshaun Watson did early on. Now he’s going to have to battle with Jeudy for targets behind Amari Cooper.