Perhaps the third time will be the charm.
On Wednesday, the Bills signed free-agent wide receiver Elijah Moore to a one-year contract with a max value of $5 million, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Entering his fifth season, Moore is already on his third team. The second-round pick (No. 34 overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft began his career with the Jets and was traded to the Browns following the 2022 season.
He’s coming off his worst season, totaling 61 receptions for 538 yards (8.8 yards per reception) and one touchdown in 2024. Per NFL Pro data, he ranked last among 84 qualifying wide receivers in expected points added (EPA) per target (minus-0.45).
It was a frustrating way for Moore to end his rookie contract, relegating him to a non-priority free agent. While he’s failed to live up to expectations thus far, he’s arguably never been in a better position than in Buffalo.
In New York and Cleveland, Moore was bogged down with awful quarterback play, turning him into an afterthought.
While perhaps best known for giving a new meaning to “He’s got that dog in him” during the 2019 Egg Bowl between Ole Miss and Mississippi State when he simulated urinating in the end zone following a touchdown, prompting a 15-yard penalty and the wildest finish in the rivalry’s history, Moore excelled during his final season at Ole Miss in 2020, ending the year with 86 receptions, 1,193 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in only eight games.
He hasn’t tapped into that version of himself in the pros, but playing alongside 2024 MVP quarterback Josh Allen could be his ticket to a career year.
If so, the Bills made arguably the best value signing of free agency. If not, they can cut ties with him without being financially crippled. It’s a win-win for Buffalo.
