On Friday, it was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku is requesting a trade. This comes after Njoku hired NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus, who stated that the 23-year old is intent on a trade.
“It is in David’s best interest to find a new team at this time,” Rosenhaus told Schefter.
In April, the Browns picked up the fifth-year option of Njoku worth $6.4 million. Just one month prior, the team inked former Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper to a four-year, $44 million deal.
Although the Browns prefer to keep Njoku moving forward, they will likely entertain trade offers that come their way. Who should be interested?
Arizona Cardinals
After electing not to bring back 31-year old veteran Charles Clay, the Arizona Cardinals could be a team interested in adding to their potent offense. After adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a bargain trade, the value of Njoku would only enhance this offense.
Entering the 2020 season, the top of the depth chart for the Cardinals would be Maxx Williams. Last season, he totaled 15 receptions to go with 202 receiving yards and one touchdown. The team finished 21st in yards per game, leaving room for improvement.
Even with Njoku’s lingering injury history, he would make an immediate impact with the Cardinals. His four touchdown receptions from the 2017 and 2018 seasons would only trail Larry Fitzgerald on Arizona; who tallied six touchdowns in those same seasons.
Dallas Cowboys
Could the Cowboys be on the search for a post-Jason Witten era? Their top tight end for the 2020 season is Blake Jarwin, who compiled 31 receptions, 365 receiving yards, and three touchdowns last season. Still, it’s unclear whether Dallas will be considered a front runner.
If the Cowboys decide to bring in Njoku, his play would ultimately benefit the most from this transaction. In 2019, Dallas ranked 6th in points per game (27.1). As of the latest report, the Cowboys are among the teams interested in trading for Njoku.
Washington Redskins
Considering the Redskins have voids all over their offense, the move to trade for Njoku in hopes that he becomes part of the rebuild isn’t far-fetched. New head coach Ron Rivera played a major role in assisting with the successful career of Greg Olsen with the Carolina Panthers; totaling three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons from 2014-16.
Entering next season, Washington is unlikely to utilize their tight ends to a degree. At the top of the depth chart, the offense will be dependent on Jeremy Sprinkle, who totaled 26 receptions, 241 receiving yards and one touchdown last season. This is a team that is desperate to give sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins some weapons outside of Terry McLaurin.
Green Bay Packers
Considering the Packers are within reach of a Super Bowl run, wouldn’t the addition of Njoku moving forward put them at a more favorable position? While the team is lacking wide receiver depth, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t had a tight end with similar attributes to Njoku since the days of Jermichael Finley.
Without Njoku on the roster, Green Bay will likely rely on 2019 third-round pick Jace Sternberger to take over for veteran tight end Jimmy Graham moving forward. To date, the Packers have spent a third-round pick on a tight end in each of the last two drafts.
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