Jets Make 'Moore' News, Trading Wide Receiver to Cleveland
Well, that escalated quickly.
Less than one hour after reports of Mecole Hardman's signing surfaced, there was more wide receiver-related news involving the New York Jets.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets are trading wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns for the No. 42 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In addition to Moore, the Browns are also reportedly receiving Gang Green's third-round pick (No. 74 overall).
In a move that generated some buzz, the Jets selected the speedy Moore out of Ole Miss at No. 34 overall in 2021. The second-round pick found himself in the starting lineup as a rookie in Week 1, but he ended the season on injured reserve.
Moore showed flashes of brilliance midway through the 2021 campaign. He scored five touchdowns during a five-week span that was highlighted by two prime performances.
Moore made seven receptions (eight targets) for 84 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 9 game at Indianapolis. Two weeks later, he went for 155 yards on nine touches (8 receptions, 1 rush).
Unable to progress in line with expectations, the 5-foot-10 pass-catcher gained no more than 64 receiving yards in any game last season. Moore scored only one touchdown over a 16-game sample in 2022.
Moore was the subject of headlines midway through October when he reportedly requested a trade. The Jets held him out of their October 23 game against the Denver Broncos following an incident during the practice week.
By trading away Moore and signing free agents Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, the Jets are giving their receiving corps a significant makeover.
Outside of Garrett Wilson establishing himself as a true WR1, the Jets' receivers put up modest numbers last season.
Wilson more than doubled up the next best Jets’ wide receiver en-route to securing the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He made 83 catches for 1,103 yards while starting all 17 games.
It was tight end Tyler Conklin who ranked second to Wilson in both receptions (58) and receiving yards (552) on the 2022 team stat sheet.
Jets’ Projected 2023 WR Corps
WR1 Garrett Wilson
WR2 Allen Lazard
WR3 Mecole Hardman
WR4 Corey Davis
WR5 Denzel Mims
WR6 Diontae Spencer
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