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6 players who could end up on the Browns roster in 2022

By Randy Gurzi

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) catches a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander (21) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. The Cowboys led 17-7 at half time.Dallas Cowboys At Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) catches a pass against Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander (21) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. The Cowboys led 17-7 at half time.Dallas Cowboys At Cincinnati Bengals /
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Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin (83) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Tyler Conklin, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings

Availability: Free agent in 2022

As it stands now, the Browns roster is loaded at tight end. They have Austin Hooper who they gave the largest contract for a tight end (at the time) to lure him away from the Atlanta Falcons and fourth-round pick Harrison Bryant.

Those two are under contract beyond this season, but that’s not the case for David Njoku. One of three first-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft, Njoku was relegated to the third option at tight end last season — even though he was often the best performer at the position.

Njoku had originally asked for a trade when the Browns signed Hooper and drafted Bryant but was convinced by Kevin Stefanski that there was a role for him on the team. After one season, it’s apparent that role isn’t going to be enough to convince him to stay beyond this season — he had just 29 targets on the year.

If he does end up leaving, Cleveland could look to replace him with Tyler Conklin who knows the Browns head coach really well. Conklin has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Vikings, playing under Stefanski in 2018 and 2019.

Last year, Conklin started to get more attention in the passing game, pulling in 19 receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown. He’s also decent in the blocking game, which is one of the reasons Stefanski would love to have him back on his roster.

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