Once-promising second-round draft pick sliding down Bills' WR depth chart

After an impressive spring, the Buffalo Bills' free-agent WR addition has seen his stock drop this summer

Bills wide receiver Elijah Moore pulls in a pass during position drills during day three of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Friday, July 25, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There was an unquestionable excitement at first.

The Buffalo Bills were on the way to unlocking the talent that made wide receiver Elijah Moore the No. 34 overall draft pick in 2021.

Signing the New York Jets' former second-round selection to a one-year free-agent contract during OTAs, the Bills seemingly found the perfect option to fill the vacant WR5 slot on the depth chart. Moore appeared fast and efficient during spring workouts, and, by multiple accounts, he was giving maximum effort.

Since the pads came on, however, Moore has been noticeably quiet.

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In two preseason games, he has only one five-yard catch. Moore did not see a target over 12 offensive snaps in the exhibition opener against the New York Giants. Then, against the Chicago Bears, on August 17, he caught one of four targets, including two ugly drops.

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Mike White (14) passes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. | David Banks-Imagn Images

In what was an all-around dreadful performance by Bills on Sunday night at Solider Field, Moore did his part to rile up Bills Mafia by dropping two catchable passes, and it caused a minor social media uproar on X.

"I keep waiting for Elijah Moore to show 'something'," said Dan Fetes.

"Still haven't seen any big play flashes from him in camp or preseason action," said Jonathan Acosta.

"I tried to warn some of you about Elijah Moore… He has been underwhelming for the majority of the summer," said Mike Bundt.

"KJ Hamler is better at the Elijah Moore role," said Kevin Massare.

Granted, Moore hasn't had the luxury of playing with Josh Allen during the preseason games, but he's looked no more impressive than Tyrell Shavers or Laviska Shenault.

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Moore also doesn't help his case through special teams. He has seen only one ST snap in the first two exhibitions.

Once seemingly destined for a 53-man roster spot, Moore may find himself on the outside looking in come cutdown day. He'll have a chance to reverse the trend this week in practice, but will it be too late?

Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Elijah Moore (18) makes a catch during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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