Wednesday's NFL: Browns get WR Elijah Moore from Jets for draft pick

Cleveland — Adding a potential playmaker for quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns acquired wide receiver Elijah Moore in a trade from the New York Jets, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The Browns are sending the No. 42 pick in this year's draft to the Jets for Moore and the No. 74 selection, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.

The Jets parted with Moore, a second-round pick in 2021, shortly after agreeing to terms with former Kansas City wide receiver Mecole Hardman on a one-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.

Cleveland had been looking for another receiver for Watson, who came over last year in a trade from Houston. Moore will be a nice complement to Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

Moore had 37 catches for 446 yards and one touchdown last season, but was unhappy with his role and asked for a trade.

In addition, the Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman also agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.

The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.

Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.

Browns bringing back LB Anthony Walker on 1-year deal

Cleveland — Free agent linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. is returning to the Browns after missing most of last season with an injury that rocked Cleveland's defense, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Walker has agreed to a one-year contract with the Browns, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been signed.

The 27-year-old Walker tore a quadriceps tendon in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and missed the rest of 2022. Without him, Cleveland's defense not only lost an experienced player but one of its top communicators and leaders.

ESPN first reported Walker's return.

Walker posted a photo on Twitter of himself on the field with the Browns with the caption: Nobody cares; WORK Harder!!"

The Browns sustained a rash of injuries at linebacker last season with Walker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jacob Phillips all suffering season-ending injuries. Those losses along with some other problems led to Cleveland's 7-10 record and led to the firing of coordinator Joe Woods, who has been replaced by former Lions coach Jim Schwartz.

Walker signed with the Browns in 2021 as a free agent and started 12 games after spending four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. After getting hurt, Walker stayed around the Browns while undergoing therapy to support his younger teammates.

Cleveland has focused primarily on fixing its defense during free agency with several prominent signings, including tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and safety Juan Thornhill.

The Browns also re-signed linebacker Sione Takitaki, who stepped in and played well following the other injuries.

Raiders sign cornerback David Long Jr.

Henderson, Nev. — Cornerback David Long Jr., who played for the Los Angeles Rams the past four seasons, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday.

He has started 10 games and made 52 appearances, totaling 77 tackles with an interception and seven pass breakups. Last season, he started four games and made a career-high 21 tackles.