A Fresh Start with a Star Quarterback
Wide receiver Elijah Moore is embracing a new chapter in his NFL journey with the Buffalo Bills, where he’ll have the opportunity to play alongside reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen. For Moore the move represents more than just a team change, it’s a long-awaited shot at stability under center.
“For me, it’s more like my whole career, I haven’t really had too many great opportunities with a stable quarterback the entire season,” Moore said Monday, via the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
“Being blessed with the opportunity to, God willing, have 17 for the entire season with the MVP at that. A top-tier caliber player, top-tier caliber team [and] top-tier caliber coaches putting you in position. I feel like it would just be the best position that I’ve been put in yet.”
Quarterback Instability Has Defined Moore’s Career
Since being drafted in the second round by the New York Jets in 2021, Moore has struggled to find continuity at quarterback. During his rookie season, the Jets cycled through Zach Wilson, Mike White and Joe Flacco. The following year brought more of the same, with Chris Streveler also seeing game action.
Moore was then traded to the Cleveland Browns, but the quarterback shuffle continued. Over the past two seasons, Cleveland saw nine different quarterbacks start games: Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Jeff Driskel, Jameis Winston and Bailey Zappe.
“I have run into some quarterback trouble,” Moore said. “I can’t throw the ball to myself. The guys that I have played with in the past were not bad quarterbacks, I’m saying that, it’s just kind of the situation. I’ve been playing with so many guys. Feels like five quarterbacks every single season, you know.”
A Chance to Unlock His Potential
Despite the turbulent quarterback situations, Moore has managed to compile 200 receptions for 2,162 yards and nine touchdowns over his four-year career. However, he has never reached the 700-yard mark in a single season.
With the Bills, Moore hopes to finally demonstrate his full potential in a consistent offensive environment. Buffalo’s receiving corps heads into the 2025 offseason with uncertainty beyond Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. But Allen has shown he can elevate those around him, even without a star-studded wide receiver group.
No More Excuses
Now in Buffalo, Moore is in a position where he’ll have no excuses left. With one of the league’s premier quarterbacks throwing him the ball, the opportunity is his to seize. If Moore can’t break through in New York, it won’t be because of the quarterback.
