NY Jets targeting speedy WR with surprising ties to coaching staff

The New York Jets find themselves in need of wide receiver help as they enter the second week of free agency. The options to add to their receiver room have dwindled, but there are still a few intriguing names on the open market.

One such player is former Arizona Cardinals second-round pick Rondale Moore. Moore has been visiting with NFL teams over the last few days as he attempts to make a comeback after missing all of last season due to a torn ACL.

The Jets reportedly hosted Moore on a visit on Tuesday after he previously met with the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears last week. The 24-year-old wideout was traded to the Atlanta Falcons last March in a deal that sent Desmond Ridder to Arizona, but he never appeared in a game for his new team.

The Jets are thin at wide receiver with a depth chart that features the likes of Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, the newly-signed Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson, and Malachi Corley. Lazard remains a candidate to be released, although, given the state of the wide receiver market, it's certainly plausible that the Jets ultimately keep him.

Rondale Moore's ties to the NY Jets coaching staff make him an obvious target in free agency

A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Moore's most productive season came as a rookie when he finished with 54 catches for 435 yards and one touchdown. His career never really took off in Arizona.

Moore was hindered by injuries in his second season and, despite playing 67% of offensive snaps in 2023, was not a featured part of the Cardinals' offense. While his speed has never been in doubt, he has struggled to establish himself as a consistent receiving threat

At 5-foot-7, 181 pounds, Moore has been primarily limited to a slot receiver role in the NFL. His 4.32 speed makes him a dangerous weapon in any offense, but teams have largely had to manufacture touches for him. In many ways, he would fill a role similar to what the Jets envisioned for Malachi Corley.

Moore also has experience as a kick and punt returner, but more importantly, he has ties to the Jets' coaching staff. The Purdue product played under current Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson in Arizona and even crossed paths with Jets assistant offensive line coach Brian Natkin.

Jefferson has spoken highly of Moore in the past and would likely welcome a reunion. It wouldn’t be surprising if he was the one advocating for the Jets to bring Moore in for a visit.

The options for the Jets to upgrade at wide receiver this offseason are limited unless the team intends to use significant draft capital on the position. Moore could be a worthy flier if the medicals check out.

NY Jets targeting speedy WR with surprising ties to coaching staff

Rondale Moore's ties to the NY Jets coaching staff make him an obvious target in free agency

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