Former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku remains a free agent.
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Former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku remains a free agent.
David Njoku’s nine seasons in Cleveland are over and the former Pro Bowler is looking for his next squad.
Njoku remains one of the more intriguing names on the free agent market, and Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport has identified the New England Patriots as his best fit.
The Patriots are AFC champions coming off a Super Bowl appearance and still have some solid cap space to work with. Sara Marshall of Musket Fire gave some reasoning behind a potential Njoku signing for New England.
“In free agency so far, Mike Vrabel and Co. have signed a fullback to help on the offensive line, along with a blocking tight end, which creates an opportunity to pursue more of a pass-catcher, and that could mean David Njoku becomes an option now,” Marshall said. “The almost 30-year-old has proven to be a versatile weapon at the position, as he has served predominantly as a blocker for the Browns one year, and more of a receiver the next. That’s the kind of player the Patriots could benefit from, especially now that they have added some reinforcements to help on the line.”
Njoku could be a low-risk, high-upside move for the Patriots. He’s proven that he can produce when healthy, but is coming off a down year. Njoku appeared in just 12 games last season, notching 293 yards on 33 catches with four touchdowns.
David Njoku Said Goodbye to Browns
Njoku wanted to stay but knew before free agency began that he would be searching for a new team.
“Cleveland, first off I love you,” Njoku wrote on Instagram. “These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”
He leaves ranking second in Browns history among tight ends with 384 receptions and 34 touchdowns, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.
But Harold Fannin Jr.’s breakout rookie season — 72 catches, 731 yards, six touchdowns — made Njoku expendable. Fannin looks like a future Pro Bowler and someone the Browns can build around on offense in Todd Monken’s new system.
Browns Still Short on Weapons
Cleveland hasn’t done much work to find Njoku’s replacement. The team signed Jack Stoll on a one-year deal. However, Stoll is primarily a blocker. He’ll be a fine complement to Fannin, but not a receiving threat.
The Browns still need pass-catching help at tight end and have a glaring need at receiver heading into next season, no matter where the quarterback situation lands.
Cleveland’s best option is to look towards the draft, where the team has two first-round picks and 10 selections overall. The Browns have hosted some of the elite wide receiver prospects for top 30 visits, including Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate.
There are still some veteran free agents remaining, including Stefon Diggs, Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel.
As it stands, Jerry Jeudy will return next season as the team’s top receiver. Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond are also expected to be in the mix.