Will the Broncos Trade Jerry Jeudy? 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had his best season as a pro in 2022. The fourth-year wideout from Alabama had career-highs of 972 receiving yards and six touchdowns. That’s a positive development, even if the Broncos finished 19^th in passing yards per game and dead last in points per game last season.

He ranked 22^nd in fantasy points with 204.2 in 15 games played. More importantly, he only had five drops out of a career-high 67 receptions. However, he had more dropped passes than in 2021, though he missed seven games due to a high ankle sprain.

While his production is trending upward, his 67-percent catch rate ranks him 101^st among all qualified receivers. Likewise, his output is lower than his 2020 NFL draft batchmates CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins, and reigning Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson. Despite having a solid year for the Broncos, there were trade rumors involving him. He could have been a trade piece if the team wanted a pick in round one of the 2023 NFL Draft. Things didn’t turn out that way and for a good reason.

Holding On to Jerry Jeudy Makes Sense For Now

The Broncos haven’t decided whether to pick up Jeudy’s fifth-year option. Doing so should be a no-brainer, considering his solid numbers last year. The lack of wide receiver depth in the draft and viable free agents also come into play in this choice.

While three wideouts were selected in the opening round of the 2023 draft, there’s a significant drop in talent level from Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison. By the time the Broncos are on the clock in the third round, they are better off addressing other roster concerns except for wide receiver.

Meanwhile, Jeudy is better than any free-agent wide receiver left. Julio Jones has his best days behind him, while Kenny Golladay did not live up to the massive contract he signed with the New York Giants. Jarvis Landry’s production has fallen off a cliff, and Sammy Watkins didn’t do much after two good seasons to start his career.

The Broncos might find it difficult to compensate for his production if they let him go, especially with Tim Patrick returning from an ACL injury. Besides, they could have him for two years at a bargain, considering that his fifth-year option is worth only $12.9, way below prevailing market values for top-tier wide receivers.

Two years should be enough to determine if Jerry Jeudy will thrive under head coach Sean Payton. If he passes the audition, then they’ve found a legitimate WR1. When that happens, the next step must be contract extension talks between the Broncos and Jeudy’s agent, Leigh Steinberg.

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