Wide receiver is no longer a position of need for Cleveland.
For the second straight offseason it is the Cleveland Browns acquiring a wide receiver via trade. This time around it is Elijah Moore coming to Cleveland. The Browns and Jets agreed to terms on a deal that will send Moore and a third round pick to Cleveland while New York receives a second and fifth round selection.
The fact that Cleveland made a move for a wide receiver is hardly surprising as it was abundantly clear that their group of wide receivers was incomplete. Cleveland recently hosted Marquise Goodwin for a visit while also being rumored to still be in pursuit of Jerry Jeudy. After exploring their options it was Moore and the trade package required to acquire his services that won out.
Moore is a speedy receiving option who will be able take advantage of teams focusing on Amari Cooper. Cleveland has been lacking a reliable vertical threat and they believe they now have that in Moore. 46 of Moore’s 80 career receptions have gone for first downs while averaging 12.3 yards per reception. This seems like a good addition to a receiving group featuring Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Things did not work in New York between Moore and quarterback Zach Wilson. Moore was better without Wilson under center and Cleveland is betting that Deshaun Watson gets the most out of their new acquisition.
Another aspect that is quite appealing to Cleveland is Moore’s current contract. Moore is cost controlled for the next two seasons with $1.4 and $1.8 million cap hits. The Browns have a lot of their financial resources tied up at the moment, acquiring a contract like Moore’s adds long term flexibility to their books. It also prevents from Cleveland from having to jettison good players to cut financial commitments they cannot afford. This should extend their window just a bit more longer, all they have to do is capitalize on it first.
