Cleveland Browns News: David Njoku will finish 2020 with Browns
By Randy Gurzi
Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know
Before the 2020 season began, the Cleveland Browns said they had plans for David Njoku. And now that the trade deadline has passed and he remains with the team, the speculation as to whether or not they meant that can be put to rest.
Njoku, a former first-round pick in 2017, clearly felt he was not part of the big picture in Cleveland after seeing the team add Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant this offseason. For that reason, he requested a trade and despite rescinded that request, the rumors continued to surface that he still wanted out.
Then as the trade deadline approached, speculation grew that he could be moved as Cleveland continued to use Bryant ahead of Njoku, even starting him when Hooper was out for the past couple of games with an injury.
However, the Tuesday trade deadline passed and No. 85 is still in the orange and brown so he will finish his fourth season with the team that drafted him. This story and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
Browns keep David Njoku and stand pat at the trade deadline — Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com
"“Tuesday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline passed and tight end David Njoku is still a Cleveland Brown.What’s more, the Browns stood pat and didn’t make any moves to try to fortify the 5-3 club at the midpoint.”"
Most of us who followed the Browns were less than shocked to see Njoku stick around. Head coach Kevin Stefanski loves utilizing multiple tight ends and Njoku has made several incredible receptions this season. He’s also still under contract for 2021, so if they did want to try and get something in exchange for him rather than losing him in free agency, they have a whole year to decide on that.
Browns: Andrew Berry again passes up play-makers for potential — Chad Porto, Factory of Sadness
"“No, I want them to trade a 4th round draft pick for a borderline Pro Bowler like Baltimore and Pittsburg does every year practically. I want the Browns to make a move to shore up one or two spots, using very little in the way of capital. I want the GM to realize how precious playoff appearances are in Cleveland, and how that should matter to him as well.”"
Chad Porto was bothered that the Browns GM didn’t try and improve their porous defense on Tuesday and he has a point. Playoff teams often land veteran help for mid-round picks and sitting at 5-3, Cleveland has a real shot at making the postseason this year. Landing a linebacker who can improve the defense might have made all the difference in the world in that endeavor.
"“The Browns’ offensive line has been an area of strength this season and it was again on Sunday, helping keep the pressure off Mayfield for a second consecutive week. This week it was to the tune of 20.7 percent of his drop backs, the third-lowest total in the league in Week 8.”"
It’s not even a debate. The Browns offensive line was disastrous in 2019. In 2020, it’s been the exact opposite as this unit has been a huge strength for them. That’s has been very encouraging to see and Andrew Berry deserves credit for adding the talent but so does offensive line coach Bill Callahan who has done a great job coaching them up.
dark. Next. Bye Week report cards - Baker Mayfield
Andrew Berry has been quiet, and that’s okay
Chad Porto might not have enjoyed the Browns being quiet at the trade deadline but Grant Puskar has a different opinion. He’s fine with the team staying the course and explains why in his latest piece.