Elijah Moore trade request: What teams could be interested? Chiefs, Packers...

Though it’s been just one year since New York drafted the WR 34th overall, it would appear that the relationship between them has soured. Indeed, now that he’s asked for a trade, the question becomes where will he end up?

What’s the situation with Jets’ Elijah Moore?

With a 4-2 record, the New York Jets come into NFL’s Week 7 enjoying their best start to a season since 2015. Cause for celebration one would think, but unfortunately there seems to be trouble in the camp. The Jets’ run so far has largely been on the back of an approach that has favored their running game. What that means, is that wide receiver Elijah Moore has for the most part been left on the back burner. That of course, was before they faced the Packers, a game in which the WR was not targeted one single time. That brings us the present, where according to reports, Moore has requested a trade. As per reports, the 22-year-old was excused from practice Thursday, with Jets coach Robert Saleh citing a family issue. As we now know, his absence was not in fact family related, but actually the result of his frustration with his current situation in the team. To date, Moore has posted 43 catches for 538 yards and five touchdowns in this, his rookie season. As credible as that is, the former Ole Miss player conversely ranks No. 5 on the list of total targets across the six weeks that they have played. Believe it or not, Moore even sits behind running back Breece Hall and tight end Tyler Conklin.

It should be said, that this isn’t exactly a blindsided move by Moore. Indeed, his displeasure was clear as day following the Jets’ 27-10 win over Green Bay. The wideout tweeted the following: “If I say what I really wanna say, I’ll be the selfish guy. We winning. Grateful! Huge blessing! All I ever wanted. (Bittersweet) for me, but I’ll be solid. So, I’ll just stay quiet. Just know I don’t understand, either.” Moore then followed up with, “Love my teammates!”, before finally tweeting, “God, I need direction” and then going on to delete the second post.

Where do the Jets stand on Elijah Moore?

If there is one positive in what seems to be growing conflict, it’s that Saleh, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and quarterback Zach Wilson all appear to empathize with Moore’s feelings after Sunday’s game. From an increased focus on their ground game, to a number of other factors, the Jets acknowledged that Moore has not been as involved as he could be. Interestingly, the team also made it clear that they have no intentions of letting Moore go. On the other hand, we all know that in NFL things can change very quickly.

Interestingly, this is not the first time for the year that a player from the Jets’ receivers corps has asked to leave. 2020 NFL Draft second round pick Denzel Mims, also requested a trade in preseason and quite frankly, has not made an appearance since. The irony here is, he may actually make his debut if the Jets go as far as to deactivate Moore in a disciplinary move. Ultimately, if Moore should get his wish and is allowed to move on, he will likely have no shortage of suitors. That of course, brings us to a review of just who they might be.

What teams could Elijah Moore end up playing for?

As mentioned above, the Jets don’t appear to have any desire to let Moore go, but as we’ve often seen in the NFL, desire can quickly dissipate if the offer is correct. In light of that here’s a look at the potential landing spots for the young wideout:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While you might be thinking, that the Bucs need no help with the stellar duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the reality is their year has been plagued by injuries. The inclusion of a player like Moore could foreseeably mean that Russell Gage is taken down a notch on the depth chart - a No. 4 role possibly - alongside someone like Julio Jones who has been sporadically available to Tom Brady, following suit. Add to that, the fact that Moore is a Florida native and you’ve got yourself the makings of a decent homecoming.

Kansas City Chiefs

To be clear, Patrick Mahomes and Co. don’t have a need, but the addition of Moore would surely compliment the likes of Travis Kelce, while simultaneously pushing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling into more secondary roles. Moore’s athleticism makes him a perfect alternative for Andy Reid to use in offense. Perhaps the one threat to this deal, is the fact that the Chiefs are also one of the teams favored to land free-agent Odell Beckham Jr.

Green Bay Packers

Where receivers are concerned, the Packers are perhaps the one team on this list that truly need help. With Randall Cobb now looking at multiple games on the sideline, the harsh truth is that QB Aaron Rodgers has limited options in terms of targets. to miss multiple games. To be honest, a move for Moore would make perfect sense for the team as both short-term cover and a long-term product that could be groomed. Needless to say, it would also make sense for the rookie himself, as he looks to be more of a focal point for the quarterback with whom he will play.

Las Vegas Raiders

Yes, Davante Adams was very much the Raiders’ blockbuster signing, but there’s definitely a need for the No. 2 spot to be covered. In an offense, that has already shown inconsistency in its 1-4 start to the 2022 campaign, Moore’s acquisition would surely go a long way towards improving things in Las Vegas. At the moment, Hunter Renfrow can’t stay on the field, Mack Hollins seems to be playing out of position and players like Albert Wilson seem to be short-term assets. This would surely be win-win for both Moore and the Raiders.

Minnesota Vikings

Another team linked with OBJ, the Vikings and fellow wideout Justin Jefferson would definitely benefit if Moore joined them in Minnesota. What’s more is that the Vikings currently sit on an impressive record of 5-1, such that they can afford to dream. Also, it’s worth mentioning that given his skill set, Moore would fit perfectly as a long-term investment for the team. Keep an eye on this one.