NFL Trade Rumors: Patriots, Jets Eyed Jerry Jeudy Before Browns-Broncos Deal

The Denver Broncos reportedly traded wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday for a fifth-round pick and sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

But not before a few teams came calling. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the New England Patriots and New York Jets were among "five or six teams" who had interest in the wideout.

Jeudy, 24, posted 54 catches for 758 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games in 2023, an undoubtedly disappointing year. The 2020 first-round pick has never quite lived up to expectations, failing to hit 1,000 receiving yards in his four seasons and only accumulating 11 touchdowns in that time.

Granted, having players like Drew Lock, Jeff Driskel, Brett Rypien, Teddy Bridgewater and a declining Russell Wilson at quarterback didn't help.

Teams like the Patriots and Jets, meanwhile, undoubtedly need additional playmakers in the passing game.

The cupboard is bare for New England, which heads into the 2024 season with JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas under contract at wideout.

That's a very weak group, and not a collection of playmakers that would make life easier for a rookie quarterback (assuming the Patriots use the No. 3 pick at this year's NFL draft to address the position).

The Jets, meanwhile, have a bonafide superstar-in-the-making in Garrett Wilson, but behind him have just Allen Lazard, Malik Taylor, Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson on the roster. Getting Aaron Rodgers more weapons this offseason should be a major priority in New York, even if the Jeudy pursuit fell short.

As for the Browns, Deshaun Watson now will have a collection of weapons that includes Jeudy, Amari Cooper, David Njoku, Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, among others.

Cleveland had one of the most fearsome defenses in football last season, but the offense lagged behind. Watson has been a disappointment since the Browns gave up a treasure chest of draft picks to acquire him and a head-scratching, fully guaranteed $230 million contract to boot.

But he has legitimate weapons heading into 2024, and the Browns may not be done. It's put up or shut up time for Cleveland's quarterback.