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Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff Writer
The Cleveland Browns have strengthened their receiving rotation, acquiring wideout Jerry Jeudy in a trade with the Denver Broncos, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter said the Browns will send a 2024 fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to Denver to complete the trade. The trade cannot be officially completed until the new league year begins Wednesday.
Multiple sources say Cleveland has been interested in Jeudy since last offseason. Jeudy has become easier to acquire since the Broncos moved on from quarterback Russell Wilson when they revamped their roster.
Jeudy, who turns 25 next month, had 54 receptions for 758 yards and two touchdowns last season. He would give Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson another option to slot in behind Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper and Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku.
Jeudy, a 2020 first-round pick, is in the final year of his contract after the Broncos exercised his fifth-year option last year. He is scheduled to earn almost $13 million in 2024. Jeudy, Cooper and receiver Elijah Moore, who the Browns acquired in a trade to replace Jeudy last offseason, are all entering their final seasons on their contracts.
A first-round pick in 2020, Jeudy had his best season in 2022, setting career highs in touchdowns (six), catches (67) and yards (972).
Jeudy's move, along with other deals, contract restructurings, and trade completions, has helped the Broncos clear nearly $50 million in salary cap space over the past five days, while simultaneously preparing for the draft ahead of the start of the new league year. Added two nomination rights.
With Jeudy leaving Denver, receiver Marvin Mims Jr. could have an even bigger role in the offense.
Broncos coach Sean Payton has already discussed the need to acquire Mims, the Broncos' second-round pick in April and a Pro Bowl selection as a returner last season, with his coaching staff during the scouting combine in Indianapolis. He said he was , more snaps on offense.
For now, Mims is playing the same position in the Broncos' personnel group that Jeudy played as a receiver. Mims played 384 snaps on offense last season, 38% of the team's total.
ESPN's Jeff Legwold contributed to this report.
