The Cleveland Browns and Jerry Jeudy agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $58 million, which includes $41 million in total guarantees. However, the contract will commence in 2025 because the former Alabama standout will play the 2024 season under the Denver Broncos' fifth-year option.
The Broncos selected Jeudy as the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he never lived up to the hype because he never had a season with over 805 in four seasons at Denver. His production declined from 2022 (972 yards, six touchdowns) to 2023 (758 yards, two touchdowns), even if he played roughly the same number of games.
The #Browns and WR @jerryjeudy have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $58 million, including $41 million fully guaranteed at signing, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2024
The deal was negotiated by @equitysports CEO @chriscabott. pic.twitter.com/ozzyd4Qps8
Denver traded him to the Browns as part of their measures to clear enough cap space to accommodate Russell Wilson's $53 million for 2024. In return, the Browns gave up a 2024 fifth-rounder (135th overall) and a sixth-round selection (202nd overall).
Jeudy's contract extension is a gamble for the Browns even before he steps into the practice field for his new squad. But it's some insurance policy if Amari Cooper walks away from Cleveland after the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, Jeudy gets an opportunity to prove his talent while playing with Deshaun Watson, who hasn't proven that he's worth the five-year, $230 million contract he signed in 2022. Since then, he has only suited up for 12 games due to his 11-game suspension in 2022 and a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023.
-Lance Fernandez