After a disastrous 3-14 season, the Cleveland Browns might be more worried about the talent leaving the facility than who they could be bringing in. Edge rusher Myles Garrett has publicly requested a trade, citing the team’s nonexistent competitive window.
Joining him – should the team eventually oblige – could be a cast of veterans inching closer to free agency.
Among them are legendary running back Nick Chubb, first-round offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, spot starter Jameis Winston, and safety Rodney McLeod.
One major free agent the Browns don’t need to re-sign, though, is receiver Elijah Moore.
Moore was a good-process decision. Cleveland bought low on an estranged receiver from a dysfunctional organization, hoping to provide stability and an upgrade under center. However, the latter never really happened between Deshaun Watson and his backups. Moore, consistently tabbed as a breakout candidate because of his pre-draft pedigree, never broke out with the Browns.
In two seasons with Cleveland, Moore broke 100 targets both times. He turned that into 59 catches for 640 yards and two scores in 2023 and 61 catches, 538 yards, and one touchdown in 2024. Burdened by poor quarterback play and his own inefficiencies, it’s hard to project Moore for a sizable jump in production, even with improved play under center.
The Browns may be better off relying on the NFL Draft to inject talent into the receiving corps. Moore played mostly in the slot in 2024, but Jerry Jeudy has the versatility to give Cleveland options. He has found success both in the slot and out wide. In essence, he could be Jeudy's replacement in the slot.
The 2025 class isn’t incredible at receiver, but there are legitimate options on Day 2 and early in Day 3 that can be expected to continue. Adding a standout tool, whether it be physicality, speed, or raw separation skills, might prove to be more beneficial than Moore’s profile, a skill set that never truly developed an elite skill and lent itself to gadgety looks without the after-the-catch production to back it up.
Cleveland is already strapped for cap space. Some forward-thinking team with a specific role waiting for Moore might give him a raise and the opportunity to play in a better environment, but the Browns can let someone else take that risk.
