The Jets have spent substantial draft capital trying to remake their wide receiver corps in recent years, but on Wednesday they pulled the plug on one such player who had seemed to fall out favor.
Gang Green sent 2021 second-round draft pick Elijah Moore and a third-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a second-round pick in the upcoming 2023 draft.
For Jets fans -- and at least a couple Jets player -- the end of Moore's run in New York was a bittersweet, albeit not entirely unexpected, occasion.
Related
Among those expressing disappointment was Moore's fellow wideout Garrett Wilson.
The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year took to social media with a simple one-word response to news of the trade.
"Nooooooo," Wilson tweeted, adding a pair of crying emojis.
Joining Wilson was running back Michael Carter, who predicted "greatness" was on the way for Moore:
Moore, who turns 23 later this month, showed flashed with the Jets, but never quite took off the way some had hoped when the team selected him 34th overall out of Ole Miss.
Injuries limited him to 11 games as a rookie, and though he was healthier in his sophomore season, his productivity was once again capped by the Jets' slumping offense. He was also suspended for one game last season after voicing his frustration with the offense and demanding a trade.
For his Jets career, Moore finished with 80 receptions for 984 yards (12.3 yards per catch) and six touchdowns in 27 games, including 15 starts. He also tallied 59 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
The Moore trade came on the same day the Jets signed free agent wide receiver Mecole Hardman, formerly of the Chiefs. With the additions of Allen Lazard and now Hardman, it seems the Jets are once again revamping their receiving corps, this time potentially in anticipation of the addition of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
While Wilson, last year's 10th overall pick, is almost certain to remain in New York, the futures of veteran Corey Davis and 2020 second-round selection Denzel Mims were less clear.
Along with Moore, the selection of Mims marks a sore spot for the Jets and general manager Joe Douglas in their ill-fated attempt to rebuild the depth chart at wide receiver.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram