The New York Jets made a huge trade on Wednesday, but it wasn’t the one the NFL world has been waiting for, nor was it one that Jets fans likely wanted. But one that fueled speculation that star wide receive Odell Beckham Jr. could be next to join the team.
The Jets traded wide receiver Elijah Moore to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 42 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. In addition to the 22-year-old Moore, Cleveland received a 2023 third-round pick (No. 74 overall) from New York.
Moore figured to start in the slot, opposite of Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. But, after the Jets signed Mecole Hardman to a one-year deal, it wasn’t long before New York sent Moore, who requested a trade midseason in 2022, packing. Moving on from a player like Moore signals that the Jets could have another potential move up their sleeve. Last week, ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini reported that the Jets remain interested in free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. and have been keeping in touch with his side.
The other New York team, the New York Jets interested and staying in touch with his side, per source. https://t.co/A6AcT0YhCE
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 17, 2023
Beckham was rumored to be a part of Rodgers’ Jets wish list, to which the Green Bay Packers star quarterback responded by saying, “Who wouldn’t want Odell on their team?”
The move to trade Moore has fueled some speculation on social media that a superstar wide receiver could be joining Aaron Rodgers in New York and potentially serve as the former Ole Miss star’s replacement.
Couple of takeaways:
-The upside of this move+need is a no brainer for the Browns (compared to solving it in draft)
-Jets could end up dealing a 2nd rounder to GB, now they have another one (I think for a center)
-Odell still very much in play for NYJ https://t.co/hm8FVYyz8X
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 22, 2023
That Odell Beckham to the Jets tweet gonna hit like a Mike Tyson uppercut lol.
— Cromartie Jr. (@SpyroKush) March 22, 2023
Wouldn’t be surprised if Corey Davis is involved in Jets Packers trade, replaces Lazard clears some cap and allows the Jets to sign Odell.
— KTT (@KileTshirt) March 22, 2023
https://twitter.com/Paulie_Bruz/status/1638627267025965056?s=20
based on trades from last years draft i prolly have this pegged at moore ~ a third. which sucks but the jets desperately need a center out of this draft and we’re certainly trading our 2 for rodgers. plus it opens a roster spot to sign odell. sucks but i understand the team logic https://t.co/2lf3w34HlY
— memory champion (@thegandofhod) March 22, 2023
This trade doesn't make sense for the New York Jets unless they also sign Odell Beckham Jr.
They basically traded Elijah Moore to Cleveland to move up thirty spots in the draft.
— The Draftnik (@draftniks) March 22, 2023
Obviously the #Jets plan at WR can’t be Wilson, Lazard, and Hardman.
Need to sign/trade for a starter (Odell, Hopkins, etc) or use a top-50 pick on a WR.
Jets wanted to keep a high 2nd round pick in the Rodgers trade. Now they can do that.
Need another WR though.
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) March 22, 2023
We’ll have to see if Beckham ultimately joins the Jets, but a return to East Rutherford definitely remains in play.
