The juggernaut that is the AFC North just added another player that is sure to shake up the offensive landscape in Cleveland. The Browns added another weapon to Deshaun Watson’s arsenal. Jerry Jeudy joins the Browns after being exchanged for a 4th and 5th round pick.
Just ten days after the initial trade, Jeudy inked a three-year extension worth up to 58 million dollars. This extension ensures that Jeudy will be a featured weapon throughout the Watson era in Cleveland.
Initial reactions to this “trade and sign” have been mixed. Many are confused by Cleveland GM Andrew Berry’s decision to give 41 million guaranteed dollars to a receiver who has yet to clear 1,000 yards in a season.
Others understand that the Browns must surround Watson with high-caliber players in order to make things work in Cleveland. Andrew Berry knows that this Watson contract must work out or else his career, and the future of football in Cleveland, are in the gutter.
Regardless of what you think about the signing, we are concerned with one thing here at RSJ: the fantasy impact. With that being said, let’s take a look at how a move to Cleveland may impact Jerry Jeudy’s 2024 fantasy outlook.
A ROCKY START IN DENVER
When discussing the future of Jerry Jeudy, it’s impossible to not first talk about the troubling start to his NFL career.
Through four NFL seasons, Jeudy has never finished better than WR19 in FPPG and has three finishes as the WR55 or worse. Across these four seasons, Jeudy has just four WEEKS in which he finished as the WR12 or better. None of these weekly WR1 performances occurred in the 2023 season…
This is highly disappointing from the former 15th overall pick.
After yet another lackluster season from Jeudy, it’s time to change your lens when it comes to the former Alabama receiver. For the last few years, the question has been “will Jeudy be able to become a star in this Denver offense”.
But now it’s more of a question as to whether or not he can produce at all.
Many are hoping a change in scenery will be beneficial for Jeudy. But does his new role in Cleveland translate to an opportunity to put up fantasy points?
A NEW ROLE IN THE ‘LAND
A move to Cleveland means a different set of circumstances for Jeudy. First, and most importantly, he will be in a true WR2 role behind Amari Cooper. As a versatile receiver who has experience playing in the slot and outside, Jeudy should play a nice complementary role to Cooper. It is important to note that Jeudy will also have to compete with breakout TE David Njoku for looks in this offense.
So what will Jeudy’s secondary role be worth? In recent history, this role hasn’t been particularly valuable in Cleveland. David Njoku’s 2023 performance (81 receptions, 882 yards, 6 touchdowns) was the best performance from a secondary receiver in the Kevin Stefanski era.
However, there is some reason to believe that Jeudy can have elevated levels of production.
First, we look at the mess that has been the Cleveland Browns in recent years. Inconsistencies at quarterback along with a lack of talented receivers have made it very difficult for this offense to produce through the air. This has led to the Browns being bottom 10 in pass rate over expectation in three consecutive seasons. This means the Browns have been running the ball at a very high rate, even in situations where they are expected to pass. An offensive mindset like this makes it very hard for receivers to produce.
But it is a time for changing philosophies in Cleveland. Just by taking a look at recent moves from the front office, we can tell that the Browns want to pass.
Berry has brought in Watson, Cooper, Elijah Moore, Jeudy, and extended Njoku all in the last three off-seasons. Coupled with the fact that franchise RB Nick Chubb suffered another devastating knee injury, the Browns are gearing up to pass at the highest rate during the Stefanski era. This should play to the benefit of all pass catchers in Cleveland, including Jeudy.
THE FINAL TAKE: JERRY JEUDY 2024 FANTASY OUTLOOK
At the moment, Jeudy’s new role in Cleveland places him in the range of a low-end WR4 in fantasy in my opinion. The Wolf is even less enthusiastic about his outlook in Cleveland, ranking him as the WR57 in his 2024 Fantasy Rankings.
Jeudy is one of those receivers that you would like to be excited about, but four years of lacking production makes it very difficult. However, with a current cost of WR60 on Underdog Fantasy, I am drafting Jeudy over players who have a similar price such as Jahan Dotson, Rashid Shaheed, and Quentin Johnston.
