NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos would make for interesting bedfellows at the NFL Trade Deadline. And even though we previously discussed a swap that could send tight end Albert Okwuegbunam to Chicago as a sensible deal for both sides. HOWEVER, that’s not the only potential deal that could pique my interest.
From where I’m standing, both parties could help each other out in swinging a trade for receiver Jerry Jeudy. And the cost of doing business feels surprisingly reasonable. Denver-based reporter Benjamin Allbright shares some insight as to what it might cost:
Hmmm. The Bears just added second- and fifth-round picks from the Ravens in the Roquan Smith trade. Dealing Smith for Jeudy straight up might’ve looked odd, but this workaround is something that could make sense for both sides.
Jeudy, 23, was a first-round pick (15th overall) by the Broncos in 2020. The Alabama product had a breakthrough rookie season in which he caught 52 passes for 856 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jeudy has 68 catches, 916 receiving yards, and 3 scores in 18 games over two years since. But the combination of a unique prospect pedigree (Consensus All-American in 2018, two-time first-team All-SEC, Biletnikoff Award winner) and having a productive pro season checks some boxes for me. Now all that’s left is for the two sides to line up a trade. It’s not like it would be a big stretch to make it happen.
One of the worst-kept secrets in football is the Bears’ need for wide receiver help. And with the free agency market looking thin, Chicago’s best move might be to swing a trade. Especially for a player like Jeudy, who has two more years of team control after this season.
And one of the NFL’s other very poorly kept secrets is the Broncos’ desire to add draft capital after trading for Russell Wilson this offseason. There aren’t many better ways to bring draft picks into the fold than trading from a strength. And I’d say Denver’s collection of pass-catchers is a strong suit.
So … let’s make a deal?
