The Cleveland Browns had the best defense in the NFL last year, and that unit returns largely unchanged in 2024.

There aren’t many questions about the Browns defense. Barring any injuries or unforeseen circumstances, the Browns should be great in that regard.

On the offensive, however, things look different.

Cleveland’s offense is a big question mark this year, especially because of the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson.

But Zac Jackson of The Athletic has identified a player who could be an important X-factor for Watson and Co. this season: wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

The Browns acquired Jeudy in an offseason trade with the Denver Broncos. Jeudy will immediately take over as the No. 2 receiver behind Amari Cooper, pushing Elijah Moore to the third spot.

“The Browns rarely had their entire first team on the field during training camp, but Jeudy’s speed was evident when he was out there – as was Watson’s interest in passing the ball to him,” Jackson wrote. “Jeudy can run down the field and break away, and the Browns believe he will free up Amari Cooper as well.”

Jackson added that he wouldn’t be surprised if Jeudy leads Cleveland in pass catches this year.

Jeudy spent the first four years of his career with the Broncos after being selected 15th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The 25-year-old was actually a huge disappointment in Denver and failed to reach 1,000 yards in a single season.

Maybe Jeudy will finally make his breakthrough with the Browns in 2024.