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5 players Cleveland Browns need to re-sign in 2022

By Eddie McDonald

Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Chase McLaughlin (3) kicks a field goal from the hold of punter Jamie Gillan (7) during the second half against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) celebrates as he leaves the field following the win against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Player No. 1 for Cleveland Browns to re-sign: David Njoku

For as rocky as the relationship has been with David Njoku and the Browns, it now appears as both are ready to commit to one another long-term.

Before this discussion moves forward, Njoku is tight end No. 1 on the Cleveland Browns. That’s no disrespect to the (over)paid Austin Hooper or the second-year Harrison Bryant, but Njoku is the complete package and has been for a couple of years now.

Now, back to Njoku and remaining in Cleveland for the long haul. He’s currently playing on his fifth-year option, as he was selected in the first round back in 2017, the same draft the landed Garrett.

Last year, Njoku wanted out of Cleveland and requested a trade on several occasions, but in the end, he didn’t get his wish. Instead of being disgruntled and a detriment to the team, he put his head down and put the work in. He’s a better pass-catcher than he is a pass or run blocker, but in a system that uses multiple tight end sets, it’s not always about catching the ball. He focused on improving his blocking and did a great job. He has turned into a well-polished tight end who can do it all.

In 12 games this season, Njoku has caught 27 passes (third on the team) for a team-leading 407 yards and is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with three. The offense has a lot of issues to figure out and one of those issues should be focusing on getting Njoku the ball more. He is capable of running various routes and stretching the field.

Last week, it was reported that Njoku and the Browns have had early discussions regarding a contract extension. Earlier this year, Njoku fired his agent and went back to the agent he started with and told said agent he wants to be in Cleveland long-term.

Next. 3 Free Agent QBs Browns could bring in to provide competition in 2022. dark

The Browns have a lot of work to do in the remaining six weeks (five games) of the season and also once the season ends. At the end of the day, these five (technically six) players need to be re-signed and continue to build this roster into a Super Bowl contender.

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