It was more than reasonable that the New York Jets would pull off an Elijah Moore trade at some points this spring.
New York added fellow wide receivers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman to the mix during NFL free agency. At this point, Moore is the fifth on the Jets’ receiver depth chart behind Lazard, Hardman, Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis.
A second-round pick out of Mississippi back in 2021, the 5-foot-10 Moore fell out of favor as a sophomore this past season. It even led to speculation about an in-season trade.
It has now happened.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Moore has been dealt to the Cleveland Browns with the 74th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in exchange for the 42nd selection.
Cleveland had been in the market for a wide receiver to help Deshaun Watson on offense. In fact, the team was recently linked to Denver Broncos star Jerry Jeudy.
Rather than meeting Denver’s asking price of a future first-round pick, Cleveland now trades completely out of the first two rounds to add a 22-year-old pass-catcher with unlimited upside.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NFL trade rumors
Breaking down Elijah Moore trade to the Cleveland Browns
Immediately after signing Hardman earlier on Wednesday, it became clear that the Jets would move Moore. We just weren’t sure if it was going to be part of a larger-scale trade for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With New York and Green Bay engaged in trade talks surrounding the four-time NFL MVP, it’s interesting that the Jets were able to add another second-round pick to the mix. Perhaps, it will be used as part of the package to land Rodgers.
- Elijah Moore stats (2021-22): 80 receptions, 984 yards, 6 TD, 56.3% catch rate
As for the Cleveland Browns, they needed to find another option to go with Amari Cooper at wide receiver. If Moore can reach his ceiling, this will be seen as a boon for general manager Andrew Berry and Co.