Newest Browns trade pushes Patriots to the top for Jeudy

The Patriots may not be making the big moves today, but a significant trade just pushed them to the top of the list for one of their most sought-after trade targets this offseason.

Since the start of free agency, stemming back to last season’s trade deadline, Jerry Jeudy has been at the center of several trade conversations for a handful of teams, including the Patriots. Then throughout this week, the Browns were reported to be heavily pursuing the speedy receiver in hopes of adding a potential big playmaker to their Deshaun Watson-led offense.

But things changed on Wednesday afternoon when the Browns made a big trade for a different young receiver.

The move for Elijah Moore from the Jets seemingly eliminates Cleveland from the Jeudy conversation altogether, opening the door even more for the Patriots to get the trade done if they want to.

It has been said that Denver’s price for Jeudy is too high for most teams, leading to speculation as to why there has been a hold-up in the Patriots acquiring him. It’s also what is being said about the Browns, who don’t have first-round picks this year or next due to their trade for Watson last year. Because they could only offer a second-round pick for the 2023 draft, it’s possible Denver wasn’t interested.

However, if Denver is serious about wanting to move Jeudy soon, especially to acquire higher draft picks since they don’t have any until the third round, they’ll likely have to lower their demands.

It makes sense why they would want a high draft pick since Jeudy was a first-rounder just three years ago. But if their intent is to move on from him and get the best return they can, accepting a second-rounder may be necessary.

How likely is that to happen? Who knows. It all depends on how serious Sean Payton and the Broncos are in trading Jeudy at all.