Expect the Denver Broncos to make additional cost-cutting changes this offseason.
The Broncos recently informed quarterback Russell Wilson that they want to release him after the league year begins on March 13, incurring a $85 million cap hit. Spotrac thinks they are $19.2 million over the cap. To make more room, they could trade wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
“The player who could sit at the top of [the trade] list given the interest he’s previously drawn is Jeudy,” wrote The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider. “Last spring, the Broncos picked up Jeudy’s fifth-year option for $12.98 million on his rookie contract, which he will play on this season. If Jeudy is traded, his 2024 cap charge will be completely removed from Denver’s books.
While the former first-round choice isn’t a dud, he has fallen short of expectations during his four seasons with the Broncos. The 24-year-old has no Pro Bowl appearances and has never surpassed 1,000 receiving yards.
Moving on from Jeudy would also offer young wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. more opportunity, since he topped the club in yards per reception (17.1 in 16 games) as a rookie. At the scouting combine, head coach Sean Payton signaled that the 21-year-old’s role would increase in 2024, saying, “You’re going to see a lot of growth from this player.”
According to ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, the Cleveland Browns attempted to trade for Jeudy many times before the deadline. Kosimder said that his market is diminishing, but the Broncos may be ready to take a lower offer.
Even though it’s a difficult decision, moving on from the young wideout would be the best option, especially with Wilson’s contract number consuming the Broncos’ books.
