Re-thinking 53-man Browns roster after cut down
By Randy Gurzi
Browns Roster: Tight End (3)
Austin Hooper, David Njoku, Harrison Bryant
The Browns would have liked to keep four tight ends but when Stephen Carlson was injured, it might have changed their plans. Carlson was sent to the IR after hurting his knee in their first preseason game which could lead to them only keeping Austin Hooper, David Njoku, and Harrison Bryant.
Hooper joined the team as a high-priced free agent a season ago with Cleveland intent on running more sets with multiple tight ends. The idea of pairing him with 2017 first-round pick David Njoku had fans ready to see this offense in action. However, things started to get rocky when they used a fourth-round pick on Harrison Bryant. With Bryant and Hooper on the team, Njoku ended up firing his agent, hiring Drew Rosenhaus, and requesting a trade.
The good news is, that’s all behind us now as Njoku not only rescinded his request last season but now he has moved on from Rosenhaus as well. There’s also hope he will extend his contract, but the more important thing is the Browns need to utilize him more in order to entice him to stay.
Njoku was the best tight end on the roster last season but spent much of the year on the bench. All three are more than capable but he’s the most athletic and has improved dramatically in his blocking.