After a tumultuous 3-14 season, the Cleveland Browns find themselves facing a crucial crossroads, one that may loom larger than any potential trades or acquisitions. Pro Bowl edge rusher Myles Garrett has stirred the pot by publicly requesting a trade, highlighting the team’s concern over their current competitive window, which many would argue is more of a cracked door than an open opportunity.
Garrett isn’t the only key player potentially on the move. A cadre of veterans could also find themselves inching towards free agency, each with their own questions about the franchise’s direction. Legendary running back Nick Chubb, first-round offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, spot starter Jameis Winston, and safety Rodney McLeod are all names that may soon echo in trade discussions or free agency chatter, depending on how management decides to pivot.
But when it comes to receiver Elijah Moore, the Browns seem better positioned to move on. Acquiring Moore was a high-reward gamble, aiming to rejuvenate a promising talent from a troubled franchise. Cleveland believed that by providing stability and a better quarterback situation, they could unlock Moore’s potential. Unfortunately, the hoped-for chemistry with Deshaun Watson and the rest of the offense never materialized, and Moore failed to live up to the breakout expectations tied to his pre-draft reputation.
In his two seasons with Cleveland, Moore was consistently targeted, seeing over 100 looks in both years. Yet the numbers tell a stark story: he managed just 59 catches for 640 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, followed by 61 receptions for 538 yards and one score in 2024. Blame can be shared between inconsistent quarterback play and Moore’s own struggles to establish a definitive role, complicating any predictions for a meaningful leap in production should the situation improve.
Instead of banking on Moore’s potential revival, the Browns may find it more fruitful to pivot to the NFL Draft to bolster their receiving corps. While Moore primarily operated in the slot during the 2024 campaign, a player like Jerry Jeudy could offer Cleveland the flexibility they need, as he’s had success both inside and outside. Essentially, Jeudy could fill in for Moore’s slot role but with a higher upside.
Though the 2025 draft class may not boast a myriad of elite receiving prospects, there are still solid options available on Day 2 and into Day 3. Targeting someone who brings a unique trait—be it exceptional physicality, blazing speed, or elite separation skills—might yield more value long-term than what Moore has demonstrated. His skill set, which has tended to lean towards gadget plays, hasn’t evolved into a primary receiver profile, and without the after-the-catch production to show for it, he might not fit what the Browns need moving forward.
With their current cap situation being a concern as well, letting someone else take the gamble on Moore could be a wise move for Cleveland. It would allow them to focus on reassessing their roster and potentially find new assets that align better with their evolving identity. As the offseason unfolds, and with trade discussions swirling, this could prove to be a defining moment for the franchise as they seek to regain their competitive edge.
