Broncos face big Jerry Jeudy decision heading into combine

The Broncos might have to answer a Jerry Jeudy question before the NFL Scouting Combine. Do you use his fifth-year option or trade him for more draft capital? 

Jeudy's coming off his best season, recording career highs in receptions (67), receiving yards (972), scrimmage yards (1,012) and receiving TDs (six) in 15 games. If he keeps improving, activating his fifth-year option ensures he has two more years on his contract.   

However, Denver's desperate for more draft picks because it has no selections until the third round, and Jeudy is team's the most valuable trade asset.

"Jeudy might be the offensive player who could yield the biggest draft capital return in a trade," wrote The Athletic's Nick Kosmider. 

Jeudy broke out at the end of last season but has yet to establish himself as a consistent No. 1 option due to injury problems. He's missed 10 games over three seasons and hasn't played an entire season.

Exercising his fifth-year option before the May 1 deadline gives him approximately $13M in base salary, per Spotrac. That would prevent Denver from adding free agents with just $9.6M in cap room, according to Over the Cap. 

Teams like Dallas were interested in Jeudy before the 2022 trade deadline closed, per SI.com's Mike Fisher. 

Perhaps Dallas and Denver could reopen trade negotiations, allowing the Broncos to acquire the Cowboys second-round pick.

Jeudy turns just 24 in April, so Denver should maximize his potential. Also, he should turn a corner with new Denver head coach Sean Payton.

As such, Denver should hold on to him unless a team offers a trade package with multiple draft picks after the combine.