After drafting Harold Fannin this year, the Cleveland Browns will likely make tight end David Njoku available for a trade before the 2025 regular season. According to reports, the Browns are in a rebuild mode, so they could be transitioning from Njoku to Fannin as one of their pass-catchers, which could make things easier if he can get things going early. Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Miami product was arguably one of the best athletes on this roster when the Browns had several losing seasons up until the Baker Mayfield era, where they finally got some signs of life. This was how Njoku got his first Pro Bowl nod two years ago and since he’s entering the final year of his contract, the Browns might not compensate a new long-term deal.
It’s probably best to trade him before the season starts to avoid any injuries. The Browns are nowhere near postseason contention after drafting Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel in an already deep quarterback room. This might not intrigue Njoku to come back to Cleveland, either way, if they wanted him to return. Njoku isn’t going to garner the best market, but after recording 58 receptions for 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2022, these five teams could give him one more chance to hopefully rejuvenate his career.
Jameis Winston Free Agent
Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) and quarterback Jameis Winston (5) and tight end David Njoku (85) celebrate after Winston scored a touchdown during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Report: Browns Could Put Former Pro Bowler David Njoku On Trade Block – 5 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Last season, tight end Jake Ferguson had one of the worst campaigns in his career. He’s hopeful to make a huge turnaround, even though it might seem bright after trading for George Pickens. However, anything could happen, and Njoku provides a lot of experience that the Cowboys could benefit from if Luke Schoonmaker can’t step up behind Ferguson.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, nobody should rule out a Mark Andrews trade since it’s only of when and not if. The Ravens want him back, but general manager Eric DeCosta doesn’t have him in their future plans. Isaiah Likely will be the starter, but they will need a reliable backup. While the Browns will never trade to their bitter rival, it’s hard not to mention the fit that Njoku has in Baltimore.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints had one of the worst starts to their offseason after losing Derek Carr. Even though they have a questionable quarterback room, the team should upgrade the pass-catching unit either way. Juwan Johnson is good, but not great, just yet, and that success probably can come faster from Njoku’s presence.
Los Angeles Chargers
Despite signing Tyler Conklin earlier this offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers need another dynamic playmaker. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is still the best pass-catcher in this unit, and that’s troubling since he’s only entering year 2. If they want Justin Herbert to be successful, they should add more reliability than veteran Mike Williams and Njoku could complete the explosive three-set tight end unit with Conklin and Will Dissly.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback Jayden Daniels is in the best spot to lead the Commanders to a Super Bowl sooner than anyone thinks. Last season, they made great strides with a new culture, and they’re hoping that by bringing back key contributors like Zach Ertz, they can replicate the same energy. Ertz is aging, and John Bates is more of a pass-blocker, so they would benefit from an Njoku trade to give them a long-term tight end.