New Browns WR Jerry Jeudy seems to take shot at Broncos

Newly acquired Cleveland Browns wide receiver and ex-Denver Bronco Jerry Jeudy seemed to take a shot at his former employer while speaking with reporters.

"I heard that the Browns were interested in me even two years ago," Jeudy explained. "To actually be here, it's a surreal moment. So, I feel like I'm at the right spot because they have been trying to get me for a long time, so I feel like I'm wanted here. As a player, you always want to be in a place that you feel welcomed and want to make it feel like home and want to be wanted. And so having that feeling is great."

Trade rumors hovered over Jeudy beginning in 2022 before Sean Payton became Denver's head coach and sparked a rebuild by moving on from veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Last week, the Browns agreed to send a 2024 fifth-round draft pick and a 2024 sixth-round choice to the Broncos in exchange for Jeudy. 

Denver originally made Jeudy the 15th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, but the 24-year-old left much to be desired across the first four seasons of his career. Jeudy finished the 2023 campaign with 54 receptions for 758 yards and two touchdowns across 16 games.

Jeudy noted he's looking forward to playing alongside Cleveland receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. The Browns acquired Cooper via trade in March 2022 and Moore from the New York Jets last March. 

"I just want this chapter to be better than before," Jeudy said about relocating to Cleveland. "I'm just looking for a home and a great opportunity here to be part of a winning program. Really just being the best version of myself. It's been a tough few years at Denver, but it's just good to have a fresh start here."

It's now hardly a secret that the Browns made multiple decisions this offseason with starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in mind. While Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230M contract with the Browns two offseasons ago, it's believed Cleveland could look to escape that deal as soon as next year, depending on how Watson plays with Jeudy as part of the offense. 

"Deshaun is a smart, accurate quarterback that knows where to put the ball for a receiver to make plays," Jeudy said about his new QB1.