What can you say, Madden is an influential game.
Earlier today the New York Jets made headlines for the wrong reasons once again. Back when the Jets were looking for pass catchers for Aaron Rodgers, the organization was close to landing a deal with Cleveland Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy. According to the report, Jets owner Woody Johnson changed his mind about Jeudy due to his sons’ input – Jeudy’s Madden rating was too low.
While the Jets organization is denying the report, the news already made its way to the Browns wideout. During today’s media availability, Jeudy was asked about being “denied” due to his Madden rating.
Jerry Jeudy speaks on the report that Jets owner Woody Johnson vetoed a trade for him because of his Madden rating:
“To be honest, I don’t believe it. I think that’s fake news… Why would somebody look at Madden rating. Be real. I don’t think that real, but it’s funny.” https://t.co/pItluvQyNU pic.twitter.com/KpG8ZewGfy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 19, 2024
It is quite a funny story. When the report came out Jeudy jokingly called out Chad Ochocinco on X about his rating. Players unhappy with their rating is a tale as old as time. To combat the pushback Madden brought in the former NFL receiver to become the official rating adjuster in 2023.
I blame 😂 @ochocinco
— Jerry Jeudy⁴ (@jerryjeudy) December 19, 2024
RT if you would trade for @jerryjeudy pic.twitter.com/LmiJWlQ2x3
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) December 19, 2024
All jokes aside, Jeudy has revitalized his career this season. In his four seasons with the Denver Broncos, Jeudy never cracked 1,000 yards. The closest he came to the career milestone was in 2022 – 67 receptions, 972 yards and six touchdowns. After a quiet 2023 season, Jeudy told the Broncos organization that he needed a change in scenery. The Broncos then dealt Jeudy to the Browns for a fifth and sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This season, the former first rounder has recorded 70 catches for 1,052 yards (fifth) and four TDS. His best performance came against his former team in Week 13 – nine receptions, 235 yards and a score.
Heading into Week 16, the Browns will be facing the Cincinnati Bengals. Jameis Winston has been benched in favor of second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Hopefully Jeudy can keep up a statistically strong season with another play-caller under center.
