Broncos should feel lucky about Jerry Jeudy trades faltering

On Wednesday, the Browns were scratched off the list of potential trade suitors after they traded a 2023 second-round pick for Jets WR Elijah Moore and a 2023 third-round pick. According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland was interested in Denver's 23-year-old wideout.

The Dallas Morning News' David Moore reported the Cowboys called but decided to acquire Brandin Cooks instead since they didn't want to give up a first-rounder.

Although Denver wanted to use Jeudy to acquire a first-round pick, it might be grateful if they keep him and he breaks out next season.

The Broncos went 5-12 last season, but Jeudy quietly put together a solid showing, recording career highs in receptions (67), receiving yards (972) and TDs (six), leading the Broncos in all categories.

During the final six games of the 2022 season, he inserted himself into elite company.

Per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider, he was one of six wideouts to record at least 35 receptions, 500-plus receiving yards and three or more TDs. The group included Pro Bowlers CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown.

The late-season surge shows Jeudy is on the right trajectory. New Denver HC Sean Payton could take him to the next level. In New Orleans, Payton worked with WR Michael Thomas, who set an NFL record for receptions in 2019 (149 in 15 games).  

The Broncos need draft picks because they don't have a first- or second-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they should trade WR Courtland Sutton instead. The former Pro Bowler is older, 27, and has a high cap number ($18.3M, per OverThe Cap).

Plus, Denver doesn't want to miss out on the former first-rounder unlocking his potential.