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The Cleveland Browns acquired wide receiver Elijah Moore from the New York Jets via trade on Wednesday, as reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. The Browns sent their second-round pick (#42) to the Jets in exchange for Moore and their third-round pick (#74).
Moore had a fantastic rookie season in New York, but he fell out with the coaching staff in 2022 and his performances went down. Nevertheless, he's still a talented young receiver who should thrive in a different environment, especially as he learns from Amari Cooper.
Acquiring young receivers on their rookie contracts is a good way for Cleveland to stay below the salary cap with Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed contract. Moore has a cap hit of just $1.47 million in 2023, which is a very small amount to pay for a receiver expected to be a starter for any team in the league.
He still has two years left on his contract and, if he's to be released in 2023, he has a dead cap of $1 million.
Why did the Browns trade for Elijah Moore?
Apart from Amari Cooper, they don't have many interesting options on the roster that can help Deshaun Watson regain his best form when September comes. In a new environment with a veteran mentor in Amari Cooper, the new kid on the block is set to thrive.
There will be no space for him in the Jets' offensive scheme after what is going down in New York at the moment. With a trade for Aaron Rodgers imminent, the team has signed many of the players that were with him in Green Bay, such as Allen Lazard and Marcedes Lewis.
He would also not have space with Garrett Wilson sitting as the number-one receiver after his excellent rookie season in 2022.
Moving to Cleveland will see his playing time improve a lot and, with Watson returning to his best levels, his performances should also improve a lot. There's a lot for him to gain and it's the perfect opportunity to look for a second contract if he can perform up to his potential.
The Jets got rid of a player who didn't want to play for them anymore. The Browns got a receiver with tons of potential who's still cheap. A good move for both teams.
