Browns: Inadequacies of David Njoku vasty overblown from reality

Moving David Njoku a risk for the Browns

The timeline of a Njoku trade just does not add up for the Browns. First, the Browns picked up Njoku’s fifth-year option this offseason, knowing he would be a vital part of Kevin Stefanski’s two tight end sets in 2020. Since this event, however, the timeline with Njoku got out of wack and murky.

When the 2020 NFL Draft rolled around, the Browns found themselves in the position to then select Harrison Bryant in the fourth round. With the best player available approach, the Browns felt they could not pass on the Mackey Award-winner with a day-three dart throw this past April.

As July came around, Njoku then fired his agent and hired superagent Drew Rosenhaus; just three days after that, Njoku had requested a trade from the Browns. Finally, on the heels of training camp, Njoku seemingly rescinded his trade request and committed himself to the Browns. Hint: he rescinded this offer because the Browns told him he was too valuable to trade and would not grant him his wish. So why would they trade him now?

Bryant has had a great camp for the Browns, however, a team and its fans cannot make their decisions off of training camp reps against their own team, especially in a year with shortened practice time. Teams, the Browns included, will more than likely turn to proven commodities on a shortened timeline.

As previously mentioned, the tight end position is a tough adjustment, and one a rookie will struggle to come in and contribute right away. Behind Bryant then is Pharaoh Brown and Stephen Carlson, who have a combined seven catches on nine targets. Needless to say, behind Njoku there is zero proven production at the NFL level.