Browns’ $9M playmaker named top cap casualty prospect

admin | January 21, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Cleveland Browns face a salary cap issue this offseason and may lose key players before training camp.

On Wednesday, January 17, Spencer German of Sports Illustrated published a list of Cleveland’s top four likely salary cap casualties. Among them was wide receiver Elijah Moore, whom the team acquired prior of the 2023 season.

Moore had an up and down season after joining Cleveland from the New York Jets in a trade in late March. As soon as the Browns introduced an Elijah Moore package during training camp, he was met with high expectations. However, the on-field output never materialized, particularly while Watson was behind center, as the 2021 second-round pick caught only two touchdowns entire season.

There’s no guarantee [GM Andrew] Berry and company want to move on from Moore, after giving up their own second round pick to get him. This would save Cleveland roughly $1.9 million and prevent a dead cap hit in 2024.

Browns Can Justify Cutting WR Elijah Moore, Despite Trading for Him Ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Bailing on a player for less than $2 million in savings just one year after giving up a second-round choice to get him is rarely, if ever, a sensible idea. However, the precise terms of the trade make the idea of cutting Moore much less inflammatory.

The Browns did give up their No. 42 overall pick in the 2023 draft to acquire the wide receiver, but they also returned the Jets’ No. 74 overall pick in the third round. As a result, Moore’s trade price was a one-round, 25-spot pick swap rather than a full second-round pick.

Given Cleveland’s current salary cap limits and $13.86 million deficit, it’s legitimate to explore moving on from Moore for cost savings.

Elijah Moore Has 1 More Cost-Controlled Year Before Hitting Free Agency

Moore contributed to the Browns’ offensive performance last season, setting career highs in targets (104), catches (59), and receiving yards (640), according to Pro Football Reference. He scored two touchdowns and was the team’s clear No. 2 wide receiver by the end of the season.

If Moore stays in Cleveland, the Browns may need to find a wideout with a higher talent level to complement Amari Cooper and compete in the AFC. Moore’s four-year, $9 million rookie contract expires in 2024, making him a cost-effective slot receiver.

Moore’s free agency in March 2025 may signal the end of his time in Cleveland, as the Browns face a cap-strapped situation for the next three seasons. This coincides with the expiration of quarterback Deshaun Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract. Moore is expected to seek a significant raise on a multiyear contract.