Speaking in a Twitter Spaces session, Deshaun Watson gave his thoughts on Elijah Moore and the New York Jets
The honeymoon period between Elijah Moore and the New York Jets didn’t last long. After a promising rookie season that saw Moore eclipse 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns, the Ole Miss product saw a drastic decline in production in year two. But it wasn’t just the production that was a problem between New York and the 2021 second-round wide receiver.
After a Week 6 win that saw the Jets beat Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, Moore took to Twitter to discuss his unhappiness with his involvement in the Jets’ offense, writing: “If I say what I really wanna say … I’ll be the selfish guy… we winning. Grateful! Huge blessing! All I ever wanted. [Bittersweet] for me em but I’ll be solid. So I’ll just stay quiet Just know I don’t understand either.”
Moore had zero targets in that game, continuing a rough start to the year for a wide receiver expecting a breakout season. After that game, Moore had a profane outburst against then-offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, which ended with the disgruntled wide receiver demanding a trade from the Jets.
Fast forward to the 2023 offseason, and the Jets granted Moore’s wish, sending Moore and the 72nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to the Cleveland Browns for the 42nd overall pick.
Even though Moore is no longer part of the Jets, that hasn’t stopped his new teammates from discussing his situation with New York.
Speaking in a Twitter Space, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson addressed his relationship with Moore and the chemistry he’s trying to build with the newly acquired WR.
“A lot of people think that it starts on that field, but it’s really that chemistry outside the field,” said Watson. “As a quarterback, you’ve got to know how everyone reacts in certain situations. And, you know, with me having a guy come from, you know, you call it how it is, a toxic situation from New York, I’ve got to make sure that mentally he’s straight, he’s motivated. And that’s what he’s been since he’s walked in the building. He’s motivated, ready to work, asking me questions.”
For now, it remains to be seen who was at fault for the issues plaguing Moore and the Jets. But with both Moore and LaFleur gone, it’s safe to assume that both had some level of culpability.
