The Broncos’ asking price for Jerry Jeudy is overly ambitious.
Per The Atheltic’s Jeff Howe, Denver wants at least a first-round pick for the 23-year-old wideout.
While the Broncos need more draft capital because they don’t have a first or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, asking a team to sell the farm for Jeudy is far-fetched.
Per SI.Com’s Mike Fisher, a Jeudy deal interested the Cowboys during the trade deadline. However, Denver wanted more than a second-round pick and wouldn’t compromise, ultimately causing the deal to fall apart.
Other teams will refrain from trading a first-rounder for Jeudy, too, because he’s not a proven No. 1 option. In three seasons, he’s never played an entire season, has yet to cross the 70-reception barrier and has made no Pro Bowls.
Jeudy surged in the final six games of the 2022 season, catching three TDs on 37 receptions for 523 yards. But trade partners will take a holistic view when assessing value. A few solid games don’t dramatically shift it.
Denver must re-assess its plan and lower the trade price. Even if the Broncos don’t get a first-rounder, a second-round pick is decent trade compensation and provides additional depth.
Otherwise, the Broncos will likely have to keep Jeudy and hope he develops into a Pro Bowl-caliber player under new HC Sean Payton.
