3 Cleveland Browns that could be trade bait in 2020
By Randy Gurzi
2. David Njoku, TE
In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns made three picks in the first round. They ended up with defensive Myles Garrett, safety Jabrill Peppers, and tight end David Njoku. All three players were added at an appropriate spot in the draft and all have been solid players (even Peppers who was traded to New York) — or at least it appeared that way up until 2019 when Njoku disappeared.
Looking for a breakout campaign with Baker Mayfield taking over at quarterback to start the season, Njoku was just one of the many offensive weapons at the team’s disposal. However, it wasn’t long before he was completely gone from the lineup.
After suffering an injury early in the season, Njoku spent most of the year recovering. Once he was back to health, head coach Freddie Kitchens seemed to have him in the doghouse as Njoku spent much of the season on the sidelines. In the end, he had just five receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Now, he finds himself behind the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, Austin Hooper. Not only that, but Cleveland drafted Harrison Bryant in the fourth round and he’s more than capable of taking reps from Njoku.
Perhaps they wait and see how it all works. There’s no rush really as they just picked up the fifth year on Njoku’s contract meaning they can hold onto him for two more seasons. Or they could try and get some assets in return for a player they might not have a plan for down the road.