The Browns could have an opportunity to lock down the pending free agent before his market value increases.
The Cleveland Browns will begin the installation of their game plan against the Los Angeles Chargers as they take the practice field in Berea later today. The team is riding high after playing their best game of the season in the victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8.
Quarterback Jameis Winston and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey certainly took advantage of opportunities in their new roles as the offense looked born again in the victory. Suddenly, the offensive line was able to protect, and the receivers were open as Winston went through his progressions.
WR Cedric Tillman has had two breakout games the last two weeks.
Although it’s just a one-game sample, the evidence is pointing directly to Deshaun Watson for what plagued production over the first seven games. According to Fantasy Points Data, Dorsey called a well-balanced air attack by spreading out which receiver would be Winston’s first read on the play.
Cleveland Browns first-read target shares in the first Jameis Winston game of 2024:
29% – Elijah Moore
24% – Cedric Tillman
21% – Jerry Jeudy
18% – David Njoku(Source: @FantasyPtsData)
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) October 28, 2024
It’s no wonder the receiver group as a whole looked engaged, they knew their opportunities were coming and as a result everyone got in on the action. It makes you wonder if Cleveland has found something here for the remainder of the season.
It also has me thinking about what could be for next year as Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and David Njoku are all under contract and expected back. That leaves Elijah Moore as the odd man out as he is scheduled to become a free agent.
Moore caught 8 passes for 85 yards on the day and flashed his route running and hands in the process. It was one of the few glimpses of the player who is there but hasn’t been able to get unlocked during his time with the Browns.
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Since Amari Cooper’s departure, Moore is able to get more reps outside where he seems to thrive. The same could be said for Tillman and his emergence over the last two games, and with Jeudy being versatile and effective in the slot you can see how the skillset of the room complement each other.
You have to wonder if this is what Berry really envisioned when he acquired these three over the last two off-seasons. All of this context gets us to the point of today’s Dawg Pound Discourse: Should the Browns extend Moore before the season ends?
Moore’s value on the market will be largely determined by his production for the rest of the year. If he plays well with Winston as his quarterback, the price will go up and Cleveland may not be able to afford him.
If the Browns were to extend him soon they could buy low and the move would give Moore some security and not have to worry about having an injury impact his free agency. Based on what receivers were paid last cycle, I would think his range would be somewhere between $5 million to $10 million per year with around half of his total contract being guaranteed.
The Browns also have David Bell and Jamari Thrash for next year as well for depth. They could still draft a receiver on day two or three to round out the room. Signing Moore could allow Cleveland to focus on offensive tackle and quarterback early in the draft.
Now, we want to hear your thoughts. What route would you take for the receiver room next year?