Jets continue shifting WR corps

As Free Agency continues, the Jets made a pair of moves on Wednesday to reshape their wide receiver group. In addition, running backs and receivers shifted to new teams. Below is a look at the key moves.

Jets add Hardman, trade Moore

The Jets made a pair of moves Wednesday, signing former Kansas City Chiefs’ receiver Mecole Hardman to one-year deal. In a corresponding move, the Jets dealt former Second Round pick Elijah Moore and a Third-Round pick to the Cleveland Browns for a Second Round pick, giving the Jets back-to-back picks in the Second Round and more assets for a possible Aaron Rodgers deal.

Hardman was drafted by the Chiefs and played there for four seasons. He caught 151 passes for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns. He joins a group led by second-year man Garrett Wilson and newly signed Allen Lazard. Corey Davis and Denzel Mims—both on the final year of their contracts—are also on the roster. Wilson is a WR1 for me, while Moore’s trade moves Lazard into the WR3 range for me. Hardman figures to be the No. 3 option—barring any other moves—which gives him WR4/5 value depending on the offense. Davis still feels like the odd man out.

For the Browns, adding Moore gives them the makings of a strong receiving corps with Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Moore’s arrival no doubt caps the upside of Peoples-Jones. I still have Cooper as a WR2, with Moore in the WR3 range. I like his potential in a Deshaun Watson offense.

Ronald Jones is a Cowboy

After releasing Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys moved to fill a need a running back on Tuesday signing veteran Ronald Jones. Jones played what amounted to a Red Shirt season with the Chiefs in 2022 but was a big part of the Buccaneers rushing attack his first four seasons. Jones even rushed for 978 yards and seven touchdowns during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl run in 2020. Tony Pollard is the lead back in Dallas, but Jones could provide depth and a change-of-pace. It’s hard to say if the Cowboys are done adding to the position, leaving Jones’ fantasy value in flux. He’s no more than a RB4 for me, but I’m not even sold on that level of production.

News and Notes

There were a few other signings the past few days that could have a fantasy impact. The Jaguars added to their running back room, signing former Browns’ back D’Ernest Johnson. While Travis Etienne is still the lead back, Johnson joins a group that includes JaMychal Hasty. If Etienne were to miss time, Johnson could return solid value. For now, I don’t see it moving the needle in fantasy.

Former Bills’ receiver Isaiah McKenzie signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts still have Michael Pittman, Jr., and second-year receiver Alec Pierce leading their group, but slot receiver Parris Campbell moved on to sign with the Giants. McKenzie, who filled that role for the Bills last season, could help on offense and Special Teams. Still, he’s more of a WR5/6 for fantasy, especially with the Colts’ quarterback situation up in the air.

Finally, veteran tight end Austin Hooper signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders lost their top two tight ends from 2022, so it created a positional need. The team signed veteran O.J. Howard earlier this off-season and now adds Hooper. Neither signing moves the needle much for fantasy as neither player has been a consistent producer over the past few seasons.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.