bv. PATRIOTS’ MASTERPLAN IS REVEALED! Former 2nd-Round WR Elijah Moore Officially Hits Waivers — and New England May Be Preparing to Strike!
In a surprising twist that could reshape the AFC playoff race, the New England Patriots are monitoring a major development at wide receiver: Elijah Moore has been waived, making the explosive former second-round pick available to any team willing to claim him.
While Moore was drafted by the New York Jets in 2021 and later traded to the Cleveland Browns — where he posted a career-best season in 2023 with 59 receptions for 640 yards — his 2024–2025 production never matched his early flashes. Following an underwhelming stint and a reduced role this season, Moore now hits the open market at just 25 years old, still carrying the speed and fluid route-running that once made him a top NFL prospect.
And that’s exactly why the Patriots are watching closely.
New England, off to a strong start behind rookie quarterback Drake Maye, has built a steady, efficient offense — but they are still missing a true field-tilting speed threat. Players like Ja’Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne have stepped up, but adding someone with Moore’s 4.35-range speed could unlock a new layer of explosive plays in Jerod Mayo’s attack.
While it’s unclear which team will place a claim, league insiders believe the Patriots are a logical landing spot for three key reasons:
- They need more top-end speed at WR
- Drake Maye is playing well — but adding a separator could turbo-charge the offense
- Bill Belichick’s successor, Jerod Mayo, has shown he wants versatile, quick-hitting receivers
This would not be a blockbuster trade — it’s a low-risk, high-upside move for a young WR still early in his career.
If the Patriots do make a claim, it’s a strategic stroke of brilliance: adding depth, adding explosiveness, and—intentionally or not—keeping Moore away from other AFC contenders in the playoff chase.
For now, all eyes are on the waiver wire.
And if New England makes their move… the rest of the AFC will feel it immediately.
