Patriots reportedly ‘asked’ Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy

The Patriots bolstered their receiving corps on Wednesday by signing JuJu Smith-Schuster as a likely “big slot” replacement for Jakobi Meyers.

But could New England still be on the lookout for another prime target for Mac Jones?

According to Benjamin Allbright of KOA Radio, the Patriots are one of the teams that are “inquiring” about Broncos escapee Jerry Jeudy. Allbright added that the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys have also called about the 23-year-old receiver.

Allbright’s report comes just a day after Athletic’s Jeff Howe tweeted that the Patriots had “called about DeAndre Hopkins and Jerry Jeudy” this offseason.

Although Smith-Schuster’s rushing numbers and versatility should provide a much-needed boost to New England’s offense, the Patriots still have to benefit from another high-end option for Jones.

According to Allbright, the Broncos are asking for either a first-round pick or a second-round pick and player in exchange for Jeudy.

That price matches the reported second-round pick and conditional pick/player the Cardinals are looking for in any deal for Hopkins, according to NFL reporter Mike Jurecki.

Jeudy — who is seven years younger than Hopkins — was also one of the few bright spots in a dismal Broncos offense last season, catching 67 passes for 972 yards and six touchdowns. He also comes from Alabama’s football program, a familiar college pipeline to Foxborough. Jeudy was Mac Jones’ teammate for two seasons at Tuscaloosa.

Even though Smith-Schuster can turn on the outside and serve as an “X” receiver, he did a lot of damage out of the slot with Kansas City in 2022. Jeudy possesses the same versatility, but his flurry of stopping and boot and its excellent route execution is also best used in a slot role.

Of course, it would be a good deal if New England added two talented players like Jeudy and Smith-Schuster in the same offseason. Regardless of pattern or adjustment, at least one of the two should be able to draw favorable matches in Bill O’Brien’s system.