David Njoku, Cleveland Browns

The Browns surprised almost everyone by signing Austin Hooper to a market-setting contract this offseason, possibly putting Njoku out in the cold. The former first-round pick hasn’t really found his way after a couple of regime changes in Cleveland, and Hooper’s addition should remove even more opportunities for him to stand out.

While it’s possible the Browns are thinking to pair Hooper with Njoku as one of the league’s better tight end duos, it’s equally likely that they would let the 23-year-old go for the right price. As we noted earlier in discussing O.J. Howard, the Saints don’t have a plan for life at tight end after Jared Cook’s two-year contract expires. Njoku is also a free agent after this year, but he’ll be much easier to budget for than, say, a running back like Leonard Fournette.

And just like Howard, Njoku could fill in for Taysom Hill at tight end and in the slot. If the Saints are serious about Hill’s future being at quarterback, it’s important they find athletes who can take his snaps at other positions so that he can spend more time developing under center. Njoku is a young prospect with a high ceiling who’s already caught 50-plus passes in a single season once in the NFL. That’s more than you ask out of any possible draft pick at tight end in this year’s class. And considering the Browns won’t have the reluctance of trading with an NFC South rival like Tampa Bay, the asking price for Njoku might be more to New Orleans’ liking.

The verdict: Saints should be in on Njoku

[vertical-gallery id=31911]