Jerry Jeudy traded to Cleveland: The Dynasty Fantasy Football Impact
The University of Alabama has long been known for churning out amazing talent at the wide receiver position. The NFL is littered with former Crimson Tide stars like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley and Amari Cooper. One such player was supposed to join them as an All-Pro staple – Jerry Jeudy, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, Jeudy just hasn’t been able to fulfill his potential thus far in the NFL. After months of speculation, Jeudy is now officially on the move – being traded to the Cleveland Browns here at the start of free agency in exchange for a 2024 fifth and sixth round pick. The move is significant, so let’s re-assess the market and the players involved.
Jerry Jeudy, WR CLE
Over his four years in Denver, Jeudy posted 211 catches for 3,053 yards and 11 touchdowns – far from what Denver expected from the high profile receiver. His best season was in 2022 when he posted a 67/972/6 line, leading to many thinking last year was going to be a breakout season. Instead, Jeudy recorded just 54 catches for 758 yards and two touchdowns last year, mostly doing so on dynasty benches. In the end, Jeudy simply didn’t work out in Denver and it was time to move on.
A new lease on life in Cleveland could be good for him now that he’s going to be paired with Cooper. The big variable is undeniable, though – will Deshaun Watson ever return to his pre-suspension form? If he does. you have to like the chances for Jeudy to start climbing back up the rankings. After all, he’s still just 24 years old and should be hitting his prime seasons. Regardless, this will be a huge year for Jeudy, who will enter the final year of his contract and clearly hope to show he’s worth of a long-term deal in Cleveland or elsewhere. His ADP is all the way down to 120, so there could be some good trade value here if you still believe in his talent and upside.
Amari Cooper, WR CLE
If you think this move changes anything with Cooper, I’d challenge you with one very important thing – history. We’ve seen Cooper do what he does each and every season and that’s post some monster games with clunkers in between. Having Jeudy in tow could help keep defenses more honest. It could also take some targets away. Who knows!?! Regardless, Cooper is what he is at this point and there are going to be some weeks where he wins you a fantasy matchup and some you wish you had someone else in your lineup. Now 29, Cooper’s value as a late-career dynasty contender trade target is intact but the clock is ticking, regardless of Jeudy being his new teammate.
Elijah Moore, WR CLE
If there’s a loser in this situation, it could be Moore. With Cooper, Jeudy and tight end David Njoku (who had a monster breakout the last part of the year) now all around to soak up targets, it’s hard to see just what his role is going to be. There was a lot of optimism for him but his 59/640/2 season last year was a disappointment. He could be a sneaky “buy low” this season but he’s also on the final season of his contract. It’s highly unlikely he and Jeudy both come back together in 2025 but we’ll worry about that soon enough. As for now, his ADP is going to suffer even more.
Deshaun Watson, WR CLE
Well, here we go. With Nick Chubb likely back and Cooper, Njoku, Jeudy, and Moore all ready to catch passes, it’s now or never for Watson to return to form. His contract may very well go down as the worst in NFL history and even that won’t stop the Browns from moving on this season if things don’t turn around quickly. This is likely a good move for Watson but it’s also not the one that will likely make or break things moving forward.
The Rest of the Browns Receivers
This consists of players like David Bell, Marquise Goodwin, Cedric Tillman, and Jakeem Grant and looks more like a wasteland than anything else. In short, it’s hard to see much short-term value in this group. Dynasty managers should likely look elsewhere, especially when you consider there are likely going to be even more players added during the NFL Draft.
Courtland Sutton, WR DEN
Based on his social media response, Sutton isn’t exactly thrilled with the direction of the Broncos. With Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy out the door, this offense is going to look completely different. If Sutton stays, he could build on his 59/772/10 season. However, he’ll need a quarterback to achieve that. Sean Payton is truly playing with fire here.
— Courtland Sutton (@SuttonCourtland) March 9, 2024
Marvin Mims, WR DEN
And now we have the likely winner in the deal and it’s none other than Mims. His 22/377/1 line doesn’t inspire much but anyone who watched him play can see the talent here. Mims is looking at a starting role at the moment (let’s see what free agency and the draft brings) and has a runway to really improve upon his value. If the Broncos don’t add anyone else significant, he could really improve upon his ADP.
Tim Patrick, WR DEN
He’ll be back with the Broncos on a re-worked deal but it’s hard to expect much coming off a torn Achilles. Patrick could have some big games but a 30-year old receiver coming off a serious injury really isn’t very desirable on a dynasty roster at the moment.
The Rest of the Broncos Receivers
This consists of players like Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Philip Dorsett, Brandon Johnson. Yeah, I know. I just had to type it.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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