Broncos make smart move on Jerry Jeudy's contract

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Broncos activated the former first-round pick's fifth-year option ($12.9M) on Monday, extending his contract through 2024.

Although trading him for more draft capital was intriguing, keeping him is the better move because the 24-year-old flashed No. 1 WR potential last season. 

During the final six games of the regular season, he caught 37 passes for 523 yards and three TDs. Per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider, only five other WRs matched his numbers over this stretch ( Philadelphia's A.J. Brown, Los Angeles' Keenan Allen, Philadelphia's DeVonta Smith, Dallas' CeeDee Lamb, and Minnesota's Justin Jefferson). 

Four of those five WRs have made a Pro Bowl, so it's an excellent company to be in. Jeudy could continue to elevate his game under new Denver HC Sean Payton. 

Payton is apt at developing WRs. While he served as New Orleans HC, Saints WR Michael Thomas set an NFL record for receptions (149 in 16 games) in 2019, and former New Orleans WR Brandin Cooks had multiple 1,000-yard seasons (2015 and 2016).

If Payton taps into Jeudy's potential, it will help Denver QB Russell Wilson, who hopes to rebound after he threw a career-low 16 TDs in 15 starts. It creates opportunities for other WRs since defenses must focus on Jeudy if he becomes elite.

Denver has a solid WR room that includes former Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and recently drafted rookie Marvin Mims Jr. That combination could produce some offensive firepower.

Extending Jeudy's contract is the vote of confidence he needs and could help Denver turn the corner after it finished last in scoring in 2022.