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Next 3 Cleveland Browns who should be extended after OL contract party

By Randy Gurzi

INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 10: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns catches a ball in front of Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 10: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns catches a ball in front of Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns leaps over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed #38 and free safety Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chief during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns player to extend No. 2: David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns made Austin Hooper the highest-paid tight end (at the time) ahead of the 2020 season. It was a bit of a surprising move considering they already had David Njoku on the roster who was a former first-round pick that had shown plenty of promise in his career.

Following that signing, Cleveland went out and drafted Harrison Bryant in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Njoku felt as though he was no longer a part of the plan and asked for a trade. He then spoke with head coach Kevin Stefanski about his role with the team and rescinded his request.

While he finished with just 213 yards last season, he has gotten back on track in 2021. Njoku is outplaying Hooper with 21 receptions (on 27 targets) for 341 yards and two touchdowns compared to Hooper’s 20 receptions (on 30 targets) for just 183 yards and a touchdown.

Njoku has clearly proven to be the superior pass target and even developed as a blocker much more than anyone expected. Having said that, it would be a shame to see him leave and flourish elsewhere — which is exactly what would happen.

Rather than allowing him to walk in 2022, the Browns need to sit down with Njoku’s agent and start trying to find a contract that both sides would love.

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