3 Cleveland Browns players who could be traded before Week 1

3. David Njoku, Tight End

A former first-round pick back in 2017, David Njoku was the third player taken in the opening round by the Browns. First was defensive end Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall, followed by Jabrill Peppers at 25. Then at 29, they took the receiving threat from Miami.

As a rookie, Njoku showed a lot of promise by hauling in 32 receptions for 386 yards and four touchdowns. In 2018, he was even better with 639 yards and another four touchdowns on 56 catches. Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry that success into his third professional season.

Njoku was hurt in the Browns Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets and found himself on the IR with a broken wrist. He was able to return to the team before the season ended but it was clear he was in Freddie Kitchen’s doghouse at this point. He hardly saw the field and finished the year with just five receptions for 41 yards and a single touchdown.

A new head coach was supposed to bring hope for improvement for No. 85 — especially given Kevin Stefanski’s fondness for multiple tight end sets. However, the signing of Austin Hooper and drafting of Harrison Bryant threw a wrench in those plans.

Seeing that he might no longer be in the long-term plans, Njoku asked to be traded but the Browns balked. They convinced him to rescind that request as Stefanski promised a huge role for him.

However, just over a week into camp that role seems threatened. Njoku has struggled some whereas Bryant has been electric. The pass-catching phenom from FAU has made one highlight play after another. That could put Njoku on the fringe and despite picking up his fifth-year option, there’s still a chance Cleveland could shop their tight end.