4 Cleveland Browns who could be looking for new homes in 2022
By Greg Newland
With Andrew Berry opening up the checkbook this week, these four Cleveland Browns players could be looking for new homes next season.
General manager, Andrew Berry, and the Cleveland Browns have been extremely busy the last week. The organization reduced payroll by just over $15 million a year in 2022 and 2023 by releasing Odell Beckham, but that money was quickly given to guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio.
Teller was given a 4-year, $56.8 million extension, locking him to the Browns until 2025, while Bitonio was given a 3-year, $48 million extension, making him the highest-paid guard in the league (for now).
Now there are a hundred different questions that come up from these signings. What does it mean for Baker Mayfield? What does it mean for Denzel Ward? Those two guys have a lot to prove and another full season under contract.
However, these four guys will likely be gone after 2022 with a big chunk of salary cap money already gone.
No. 4 – Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku
I’ll be honest, losing David Njoku is likely the hardest one for me, but it’s the least surprising. Even though Austin Hooper has been a big disappointment, he does not have a team-friendly deal and it will not make sense to release him.
Njoku is a freak athlete who is basically a receiver in a tight end’s body. At the beginning of his career blocking was a concern, but he has turned into a fantastic all-around player.
I just don’t see a scenario where the Browns can have $30 million locked up in guards and another $20-25 million in tight ends. Harrison Bryant has been solid but will need to step up in a big way next season as Njoku likely moves on.
In the right system, Njoku could be an all-pro guy. Let’s just hope he goes to the NFC and we don’t have to see him that often.