After a brutal loss and Deshaun Watson’s injury, the Browns could probably wrap up their season by sending Elijah Moore to the Chiefs, or Chargers in a possible trade. Moore was hoping to take on a larger role since trading their number one pass-catcher, Amari Cooper but that hasn’t panned out for the Browns. Cleveland benched Moore in the first-quarter matchup against the Bengals leading to a loss due to a disciplinary issue. Kevin Stefanski did not want to reveal but this doesn’t sound good news and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Browns firesale more talent.
Za’Darius Smith might already be on the trade block this year after being in numerous trade rumors since Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. However, Moore had one of his better matchups this year, notching six catches for 41 yards despite cycling three quarterbacks, including Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Jameis Winston. The receiver already has a few problems in Cleveland since Watson hasn’t been able to find Moore when open. Originally selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Ole Miss product was hoping to establish better in Cleveland since arriving in New York.
However, Cooper’s trade opens the possibility for Moore and Smith to move on. It’s only a matter of time what the Browns do but Moore moving on with a better roster that could bring out the best in him is ideal. He probably doesn’t have a prominent role anymore since lacking production through the first couple of games and Jerry Jeudy’s presence makes him expendable.
Browns Injury Could Signal Elijah Moore Chiefs, Chargers Trade
Assistance for the Playoffs
The Chiefs have the luxury of calling themselves undefeated despite Patrick Mahomes struggling and the wide receiver woes the team is dealing with. However, they somehow still show up when it counts thanks to their defense stepping up when it matters, especially in their win in San Francisco. Kansas City lost Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice but they’re somehow surviving with rookie Xavier Worthy and an aging Travis Kelce. Mahomes will probably be fine without the presence of a superstar wideout since they missed out on Davante Adams and Amari Cooper.
However, no one should expect the Chiefs to pursue DeAndre Hopkins, Diontae Johnson or Cooper Kupp. Moore is probably their best investment to finally hopefully never have to worry about receiver issues again. The young wideout doesn’t need to be a full-time player but enough to be an efficient route runner to spread the ball around to find his targets. If the Chiefs are thinking of the future, they should bring in Moore who will most likely stride better catching darts from a better quarterback.
Let Herbert Be Herbert
The Chargers must understand that the running game philosophy won’t last long if they want to be a legitimate contender. Justin Herbert thrives better when throwing the football but he has one of the worst collection of receivers except for rookie Ladd McConkey. Jim Harbaugh wants to support Herbert with a useful run game but that’s been average at best and since losing Gus Edwards, the Chargers are better off throwing the ball more often. However, that’s not possible being that Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark are not playoff material.
Herbert needs to be led off the leash by Harbaugh if they want to see actual results. Moore won’t drastically change this team’s passing attack but it gives McConkey some help in routes. Since losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, they might be looking to bring back Williams in a trade but Moore might be a better dependable option. If they bring in Moore, the Chargers might finally have a top-two target for Herbert to become a better passer.
