David Njoku is again committed to playing for the Browns. The fourth-year tight end has retracted his trade request, per agent Drew Rosenhaus (Twitter link via cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot).
The former first-round pick requested a trade almost a month ago. More recently, the ex-Miami Hurricane said he loved Cleveland but cryptically noted the NFL brings “complications.” After some meetings with Browns brass, including GM Andrew Berry, Njoku has recommitted to the team.
Njoku’s dissatisfaction was believed to predate the Browns’ decision to give Austin Hooper a then-tight end-record salary in March. Kevin Stefanski said this week he is eager to work with Njoku, who was drafted two regimes ago. Berry, however, was with the Browns when Sashi Brown selected him.
Despite a disappointing season that resulted in yet another regime change, the Browns return a deep array of skill-position options. While Njoku is on the low end of that group, the Browns picked up his fifth-year option in May. He is under contract through 2021, with manageable salaries of $1.76MM this season and $6MM next year.
The 24-year-old pass-catcher is coming off an injury-marred season. A concussion and a broken wrist sent Njoku to IR in September. He ended up catching just five passes for 41 yards in his third NFL season. He fared much better in 2018, however, hauling in 56 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns.
Had the Browns kept John Dorsey in place as GM, Njoku may well be out of the picture. But with Berry back in Cleveland, he will have another chance and is on track to work in Stefanski’s two-tight end formations.
Well, Berry is already demonstrating some good GM skills. This is certainly a useful talent to have-being able to talk to players who are disgruntled. I can think of a couple teams who’d like to have that right at this moment.
Where does it say Berry had anything to do with it other than the fact that he is back which likely gives Njoku another chance.
Cleveland fans desperate for a win any where they can
Um, did you read the article? It said that after meeting with Berry and other executives, Njoku retracted his trade request. I’m not even a Browns fan, but it’s an observable fact that GMs who can work things it with players without getting rid of them is beneficial for a team. Imagine if Caldwell convinced Ngakoue to come back to Jacksonville, or Douglas changed Adams’ mind to stay in NYJ. Sometimes that’s just not in the cards, but it’s definitely a good trait in a GM.
Why the hostility to Browns’ fans?
Unless you’re a transcendent talent which he’s not you’re not going to get traded during the pandemic
with the way players keep opting out if teams lose TEs i can see him being look at. i wouldnt be surprise if the pats look at him
They don’t have anything to trade after losing a pick
They just drafted two TEs.
Doubt they give up a pick to Njoku.
49ers if Kittle holds out or opts out. Eagles if Goeddert or Ertz opt out.
Too bad Baker Meh’field is his QB. Browns going to have to get another high pick to replace that wasted pick.
You’re giving up on him way too prematurely. Give him a chance to bounce back and replicate his rookie campaign. He played behind possibly the worst tackle duo in the NFL last season. The additions of Wills, Conklin, and Hooper will help tremendously
Not to mention a coach way out of his depth.