The Jets have made a trade, but it’s not the one that the NFL world has been waiting on.
Instead of acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Packers, the Jets sent wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Browns. New York and Cleveland will swap 2023 draft picks as a part of the deal.
That the Jets are trading Moore, 22, will surprise some. He was the 34th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and showcased sky-high potential during his rookie season in New York.
However, the relationship between the two sides soured in 2022. Moore’s usage dropped as he struggled to develop chemistry with Zach Wilson. He demanded a trade just ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline, but the Jets elected to keep him.
But after signing Mecole Hardman to a one-year deal on Wednesday, the team changed course and got what it could for Moore. Now, the Jets have one fewer receiver at their disposal, but they have an extra second-round pick to use in a potential Rodgers deal.
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Below are the full details of the Elijah Moore trade and how it will impact the Jets and Browns respectively.
Elijah Moore trade details
Browns get:
- WR Elijah Moore
- 2023 third-round pick (No. 74 overall)
Jets get:
- 2023 second-round pick (No. 42 overall)
The Jets sent Moore to the Browns along with the 74th overall pick in the draft. New York will receive the 42nd overall pick in the draft; that will give the Jets back-to-back selections in the second round, as they also own the 43rd pick.
This deal looks like a strong one on paper for the Browns. Yes, they are moving down 32 spots and will not make a pick until the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after surrendering their first-round pick in the Deshaun Watson trade. So, that’s a disadvantage for the team.
However, Cleveland is also acquiring a receiver who will only be 23 by the start of the 2023 season. He totaled 80 catches for 984 yards and six touchdowns in 27 games with the Jets despite playing for a team that was quarterbacked by Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White.
Moore has a high ceiling and is on a cost-controlled deal for the next two years. This move has minimal downside for the Browns, especially since they are only moving down one round in the draft.
As for the Jets, moving on from Moore will sting, especially if he develops into a dynamic No. 2 receiver across from Amari Cooper. At the same time, New York has another great young receiver in Garrett Wilson, so it would have been hard to keep both him and Moore when it came time to dole out contract extensions.
The Jets also have plenty of depth at receiver. They signed Mecole Hardman and Allen Lazard during the 2023 offseason to go along with Wilson, Corey Davis and former second-round pick Denzel Mims. They should have more than enough options for their future quarterback.
Speaking of that, this deal could better position the Jets to complete a trade for Aaron Rodgers — if they so desire. They now have two second-round picks and could center any trade package for Rodgers around one, or both, of those selections.
Ultimately, this deal should help the Jets in their quest to land Rodgers. And if for some reason that plan falls through, then the Jets will still have the draft capital needed to make a play for a quarterback.
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Browns WR depth chart
The acquisition of Moore was one that will help the Browns immensely. They needed a true No. 2 receiver across from Amari Cooper, and Moore will provide that. He can be a threat outside or in the slot while Donovan Peoples-Jones can serve as the team’s No. 3 receiver.
Below is a look at how the Browns’ depth chart is shaping up after the Moore trade.
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Amari Cooper |
| 2 | Elijah Moore |
| 3 | Donovan Peoples-Jones |
| 4 | David Bell |
| 5 | Jakeem Grant |
| 6 | Michael Woods |
| 7 | Anthony Schwartz |
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Jets WR depth chart
As mentioned, the Jets will miss Moore, but they still have plenty of talent at the receiver position. Lazard and Hardman may not be quite as good as Moore, but they will bring solid size (Lazard) and speed (Hardman) to the position to help replace him.
Below is a look at the Jets’ receiver depth chart after sending Moore to the Browns:
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Garrett Wilson |
| 2 | Allen Lazard |
| 3 | Mecole Hardman |
| 4 | Corey Davis |
| 5 | Denzel Mims |
| 6 | Malik Taylor |
| 7 | Diontae Spencer |
| 8 | Irvin Charles |