Browns Predicted to Trade $56 Million Star to Super Bowl Champs

The Cleveland Browns have a decision to make regarding tight end David Njoku, who is entering the final year of his contract and could be a trade piece if the season goes sideways.

Njoku — a former first-round pick — signed a four-year, $56.75 million contract extension in 2022. He’s been productive for the Browns despite instability at quarterback. Njoku was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023, catching 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns.

But Njoku’s follow-up to his first Pro Bowl campaign was not great. He played in just 11 games due to injury last season, finishing with 64 catches for 505 yards and five touchdowns.

Despite his down year, Njoku could still be seen as a valuable trade option for the Browns if the team falters. Jarrett Bailey of Touchdown Wire predicted that Njoku will be dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles during the season.

“Njoku would be an upgrade over Grant Calcaterra, and would also allow Dallas Goedert to take a small step back as TE2 on the depth chart,” Bailey said.

Browns TE David Njoku Eager to Turn Things Around

Njoku’s ankle injury hobbled him last season, leading to a dip in his numbers. However, he’s eager to turn things around and put it behind him.

“It was upsetting but there’s no excuse,” he said. “I still had the opportunity to do what I was able to do, so I’m striving to do more.”

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is also confident in Njoku getting back on track.

“I think we’ve all seen what Dave can do when he’s healthy,” Stefanski said. “And you’re right, I don’t think he was healthy last season. So, he’s feeling good now. When he’s himself and feeling like himself, he’s a huge part of what we do, not only offensively, but just as a football team. And his energy is certainly felt throughout this building. So excited for him to be healthy.”

David Njoku Big Fan of Rookie TE Harold Fannin

The Browns drafted tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round, giving them another weapon. Fannin had a record-setting college career at Bowling Green. He broke the FBS tight end record for receiving yards (1,555), receptions (117), receiving yards per game (119.6) and receptions per game (9) last season.

Fannin has been a standout in training camp and Njoku has been impressed with the rookie.

“Oh my God, he’s a beast, right?” Njoku said. “I love it. He’s awesome. It builds the competition. We get that much better together. He’s awesome. He’s a great kid.”

If Fannin emerges as a potential No. 1 option, it could make Njoku more disposable. However, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com believes an extension for Njoku is more likely than a trade.

“An extension for Njoku is more likely than not at this point, but if Njoku wants one more bite at the apple of being one of the highest paid tight ends — and a chance to creep closer to the $19.1 million and $19 million per year 49ers tight end George Kittle and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride are making respectively, his health and production this season will determine if the Browns see the type of upside they saw when they gave him his first extension three years ago,” Cabot said.

The expectations are low for the Browns entering the season. If they plan to defy those expectations, Njoku will play a significant role.