CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a rare media appearance that became the talk of Wednesday’s Orange and Brown Talk podcast, Browns tight end David Njoku opened up about his feelings on staying in Cleveland long-term. While his contract situation looms large over the second half of the season, Njoku made his intentions crystal clear — he wants to remain a Brown for the rest of his career.
“David Njoku today, in very typical David Njoku fashion, talked to us about his feelings about it. Said he was terrified. I don’t know. I kind of thought he was joking when he said that, but said he wants to be in Cleveland for life,” explained podcast host Dan Labbe.
The timing couldn’t be more critical for the 29-year-old tight end. With his contract expiring after this season and his 30th birthday approaching in July, Njoku finds himself at a career crossroads that could determine whether he finishes his NFL journey in the uniform he’s worn since being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft.
Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot offered insight into how the organization might approach negotiations, suggesting they’ll likely let market forces determine Njoku’s value: “I think what they want to happen is let him go out and set his market price and see what he can get on the open market. And once they do that, they can come back together and decide how this is going to work. David wants to finish his career here. We know how the Browns feel about David, but I think it’s right player, right price.”
What complicates matters is the Browns’ clear succession plan at the position. Third-round rookie Harold Fannin Jr. has shown flashes of being the team’s tight end of the future, with a team-friendly rookie contract that runs through 2028.
“I think the nice thing about that room right now is you are set up with Harold Fannin Jr. in there. I think to me, Harold Fannin Jr. right now is clearly the future and where things are headed with this team,” noted Browns beat reporter Ashley Bastock, highlighting the organization’s forward-thinking approach at the position.
Njoku’s value proposition is multifaceted. Beyond his receiving abilities that led to 80 catches and a Pro Bowl nod in 2023, he’s developed into an exceptional blocker — versatility that could justify a new deal despite his age and recent injury history.
Cabot pointed out that tight end contracts remain reasonable compared to wide receivers: “When I looked over the tight end salary numbers today, I was kind of surprised that the top tight ends haven’t even cracked $20 million a year yet. George Kittle is the highest at $19.1 million. Travis Kelce comes in at No. 3 at $17.25 million.”
As the Browns navigate this decision, Njoku’s genuine desire to remain in Cleveland could prove significant. In a league where loyalty is increasingly rare, his commitment to the organization through turbulent times might factor into negotiations beyond just dollars and cents.
Want the full breakdown of Njoku’s contract situation and what his future in Cleveland might look like? Listen to the complete Orange and Brown Talk podcast for expert analysis on this developing story and more insights direct from Browns headquarters.
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