Elijah Moore is no longer a Jets employee
And just like that, Elijah Moore is a former New York Jets wide receiver.
Joe Douglas and the Jets traded Moore to the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The 74th overall pick (third round) goes with Moore, in exchange for pick No. 42 (second round).
Sources: The #Browns are trading for #Jets speedy WR Elijah Moore. A new threat in Cleveland.
Terms: It's pick No. 42 for Moore and pick 74.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2023
Moore, 22, is coming off a tumultuous sophomore season. Following the Jets’ third-straight win—improving the team’s record to 4-2—Moore vocalized displeasure with his lack of involvement in the offense.
After the Jets’ stunning 27-10 dominant victory in Green Bay over the Packers, Moore took to Twitter to voice his frustration over his role in the offense. Outrage poured in from fans considering New York had just won its third-straight game.
After sitting out his team’s slug-it-out victory over the Denver Broncos the following week, Moore ultimately returned to the lineup to mixed results.
The Jets’ 2021 second-round selection finished the 2022 season with 446 yards and one touchdown on 37 receptions in 16 games. His production actually decreased from a promising rookie season that saw him dress in just 11 games: 538 yards and five touchdowns on 43 receptions.
The trade may be surprising to some, but it makes sense once the culture-speak that both Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh preach comes into focus. Moreover, adding a second second-round selection could greatly play into the Jets’ negotiations to bring over Aaron Rodgers in a trade with the Packers.
With Mecole Hardman suddenly in town and Odell Beckham Jr. rumors running rampant, some New York Jets fans may not love the value Joe Douglas got in return for Elijah Moore, but it appears as though there’s still solid enough depth at the wide receiver position (with more activity to come).
And, once again, I prove to myself why I should NEVER buy the jersey of a current player. They ALWAYS get traded or hurt. I’m sticking with my Revis and Klecko. Then again, maybe I’ll buy a Zach Wilson.
Opens the door for Randell Cobb. Hackett likes big guys in the slot, could keep Corey and Lazard on the same side, with Garrett Wilson on the other. WR’s supporting a strong running game
I was hoping that Moore would have a bounce back season this year with the Jets but Why give up the 74th pick with Moore? Moore for #42 should have been good enough for a fair trade. The Leverage would have been on the Jets side since Moore would have still played if there was no trade. It’s not like he was eating up a lot of cap space.
I think they would have brought him back if he had showed that his immature outburst was a one-time thing and he improved his attitude thereafter. Obviously, he didn’t. As for having to give up #74? It takes 2 to tango. Like the Stones said, you can’t always get what you want.