Jerry Jeudy, after leading all Browns wide receivers in production just last year, has completely fallen off a cliff this season. Through three games, he has just five targets and a measly two receptions. Talk about a gut punch for the veteran. It’s an absolutely wild start to the 2026 season for Jeudy, and it’s got Cleveland buzzing about some serious changes.
Cleveland’s Rookies Are Balling Out, Jeudy’s On The Outside Looking In
The success of the Cleveland Browns’ passing offense is, frankly, one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of the 2026 NFL season. Heading into the year, everyone thought Deshaun Watson’s career-saving comeback would be powered by Jeudy. But nope, it’s been a pair of explosive rookies who’ve stepped up, helping Watson hold onto his job and leading the Browns to two wins in three weeks. KC Concepcion, a first-round pick this past offseason, and second-rounder Denzel Boston have been electric. Add in tight end Harold Fannin, a third-round grab from last year, and these three are the new face of the Browns’ passing game.
Seriously, imagine going from leading the pack to being an ‘afterthought.’ Jeudy now ranks behind Concepcion, Boston, Fannin, and even running backs Quinshon Judkins and Raheim Sanders in both targets and receptions. He is on pace for the least productive season of his career, even worse than 2021 when an ankle sprain limited him to 10 games. The Browns are clearly committing to their newest weapons as both the present and future of their offense, and Jeudy just isn’t part of that picture anymore. That’s a wild shift, right?
Trade Talk Heating Up: Jeudy’s Future Could Be Away From Cleveland
With Jeudy becoming an afterthought, trade rumors are swirling. He’s under contract through 2027 and carries a massive dead cap hit. However, the Browns can save money in 2026 by trading him. They’d still be on the hook for $25 million next year, sure, but any savings now could be pumped into those fresher, younger faces on the roster. It’s a chess move, pure and simple.
Don’t forget, Jeudy was a Pro Bowler just two years ago, racking up 1,229 yards. He was a reliable option in Denver for four years before that, even if he didn’t quite hit the sky-high expectations of a first-round pick. He can still step into an offense as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver and contribute immediately. Plus, if a team trades for him, they’d only owe him a digestible $1.5 million in base salary this year and next. That makes him affordable for contenders and rebuilders alike, and gives a team the flexibility to release him after 2026 if things don’t pan out.
So, who might be eyeing him? The Kansas City Chiefs are one team that immediately comes to mind. They didn’t invest in much wide receiver help this offseason, and they’ve got an offense that could absolutely benefit from another weapon out wide or in the slot. Jeudy and Rashee Rice can both move around, with Xavier Worthy providing that deep threat and YAC ability. The depth there is minimal, and their top two guys are sharing catches with running back Kenneth Walker III and Travis Kelce, meaning nobody’s really owning that ‘go-to’ role. With the Chiefs eyeing the Super Bowl, they can’t afford to wait forever for someone to emerge. Jeudy could be a major piece for them, and quickly. This saga is just getting started, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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