Will Broncos trade former first-round pick to clear more cap room?

The Broncos recently told quarterback Russell Wilson they plan to release him after the league year starts on March 13, absorbing an $85M cap hit. Spotrac estimates they're $19.2M over the cap. To clear more room, they could trade wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

"The player who could sit at the top of [the trade] list given the interest he's previously drawn is Jeudy," wrote The Athletic's Nick Kosmider. "Last spring, the Broncos picked up the fifth-year option of $12.98 million on Jeudy's rookie contract, which he is set to play on this season. If Jeudy were to be traded, his cap charge for 2024 would come off Denver's books entirely."

While the former first-round pick isn't a bust, he's fallen short of expectations in four seasons with the Broncos. The 24-year-old has made no Pro Bowls and never topped 1,000 receiving yards.

Moving on from Jeudy would also give promising WR Marvin Mims Jr. — who led the team in yards per reception (17.1 in 16 games) in his rookie season — more opportunities. At the scouting combine, head coach Sean Payton hinted that the 21-year-old's role will expand in 2024, saying, "You're going to see a lot of growth from this player."

ESPN's Jeff Legwold reported the Cleveland Browns made multiple attempts to trade for Jeudy before the deadline. Kosimder added his market is shrinking, but the Broncos might be willing to accept a smaller offer.

Even though it's a tough call, moving on from the young wideout would be the right decision, especially with Wilson's cap hit devouring the Broncos' books.