Broncos’ price remains steep for potential WR trade with Patriots

The Broncos and Patriots continue to be linked regarding trade talks centered around Jerry Jeudy.

The Patriots have consistently been in discussions this off-season surrounding their potential to upgrade at the wide receiver position, with one of the names being former standout Alabama receiver, Jerry Jeudy.

The potential fit Jeudy would have in New England isn’t too complicated. Jeudy attended Alabama with Patriots’ QB Mac Jones, and even was Jones’ roommate during their time in Tuscaloosa. Jeudy also has some experience playing under former Alabama OC, and now Patriots’ OC in Bill O’Brien.

Jeudy also would definitely fill an area of need for the Pats. Jeudy landing in New England would allow for the Patriots to have their own former college QB-WR tandem, which seems to be a current trend around the league. The Alabama connection between Tua and Waddle, and LSU connection between Burrow and Chase are both examples that show how successful this connection can be.

As for the Broncos’ incentive to make this deal, it makes sense for them as well. After being only a year removed from the Russell Wilson trade backfiring on them and purging all of their draft capital away, they may have to part ways with some valuable pieces on the team to recoup some young talent.

So what’s the hold-up?

Well, while there’s good reason for the Broncos to make this deal, they also recognize the value of Jerry Jeudy and what he brings to an offense. As a result, they’ve been able to maintain a high asking price for the receiver, and it hasn’t seemed to budge across these past weeks of the off-season.

Reports indicate that the Broncos are “resolute” about receiving a first or second-round pick in any deal involving Jeudy.

While the price is high for Jeudy, this is still something that the Patriots should be having considerations for. After maintaining a less-than-impressive receiving core since Tom Brady’s departure, Jeudy would be a nice change of pace, and add some much-needed talent to the Pats as a pass-catcher.

The Patriots will be in a division next season consisting of a perennial MVP candidate in Josh Allen and the Bills, the Dolphins, who made the playoffs last season and have now only improved, and the Jets who might be adding former MVP Aaron Rodgers to their offense. The Patriots can do anything but sit on their hands right now.

It’s hard to sell the fanbase on entering next season with JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker as the team’s best receivers and expecting to seriously compete within the division. Maybe that’s good enough for an 8-9 record at this point, but that’s nothing the Patriots would, or should, be satisfied with.

So, if the Broncos are willing to part ways with Jeudy for a second-round pick, that’s a deal to absolutely jump on. The team can still improve the team with their first-round pick and with their selections in later rounds.

However, if the Broncos continue to seek a first-round pick for Jeudy, then the Patriots can consider letting the market play out and be patient to acquire more talent at wide receiver. After all, they can still use their first to draft talent at receiver, rather than trade it away for Jeudy, who would be older and have fewer years remaining on his deal.

Jeudy finished last season totaling 67 catches, 972 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns for Denver.