The Denver Broncos made a bold move in the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy with their first-round pick. At the time, the decision raised eyebrows, especially with names like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson still on the board. Fast forward a few years, and it’s clear Denver didn’t get the return they hoped for.
Jeudy showed flashes-no doubt about that. There were moments when his route running reminded you why he was such a coveted prospect coming out of college.
But the consistency never came. Injuries, drops, and a lack of chemistry with multiple quarterbacks kept him from ever truly breaking out.
And while his talent was evident, the off-field dynamics became just as much a storyline as his on-field production.
In the 2024 offseason, the Broncos decided to cut ties, shipping Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth- and sixth-round pick. On paper, that’s a steep drop in value for a former first-rounder.
But sometimes, it’s not just about stats or potential-it’s about fit, culture, and leadership. And for Denver, the writing was on the wall: it was time to move on.
Now in Cleveland, Jeudy’s fresh start hasn’t exactly gone smoothly. During the Browns’ recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers, cameras caught a sideline exchange between Jeudy and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
It looked like Jeudy was visibly frustrated with Sanders, who was making just his second career start. Whether it was about a missed throw or miscommunication, the optics weren’t great-especially for a veteran receiver expected to be a stabilizing presence.
Former NFL linebacker and analyst Emmanuel Acho didn’t hold back when discussing the incident on The Speakeasy podcast, calling Jeudy’s behavior “unacceptable.” And he’s not alone in that sentiment. In Cleveland, fans and media alike are starting to voice concerns that feel eerily similar to what was heard in Denver: frustration with Jeudy’s attitude and leadership, or lack thereof.
Social media lit up after the sideline moment, with some Browns voices calling for the team to move on from Jeudy altogether. The frustration isn’t just about production-although that’s been underwhelming, too-it’s about the energy he brings to the locker room.
Instead of lifting up a young quarterback finding his way, Jeudy appeared to be tearing him down. That’s not what teams need from a veteran, especially one still trying to prove he belongs in the league’s upper tier of receivers.
To be fair, Jeudy’s career numbers aren’t terrible. He’s had his moments, and there’s still raw ability there. But the drops have been a recurring issue, and when you combine that with questionable body language and sideline outbursts, it’s easy to see why patience is wearing thin.
Former players like Steve Smith Sr. have been blunt in their assessments of Jeudy in the past, and the latest incident only adds fuel to the fire. The Broncos saw the warning signs early and made a move. Now, the Browns are left to decide whether Jeudy can be part of the solution-or if he’s just another problem.
At this point, it’s not about talent. It’s about trust, leadership, and accountability. And unless something changes fast, Cleveland could be the second team to decide that Jerry Jeudy just isn’t worth the trouble.