One of the somewhat overlooked moves this offseason has been the franchise tag and extension given to TE David Njoku by the Cleveland Browns. With everything surrounding QBs Deshaun Watson and Baker Mayfield, it has been a full offseason for the Browns but the return of Njoku was vital for the team.
Austin Hooper was released, joining fellow ‘struggles to get separation‘ star Jarvis Landry out the door.
Unlike the Cincinnati Bengals, who low-balled their franchise-tagged star, safety Jessie Bates, Cleveland gave Njoku a big contract to stick around. That contract makes him the fifth highest paid at his position in the NFL and was just a bit higher than the big deals signed by Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith the year before.
The Browns paid Njoku for what they hope he does in the future, not what he did in the past. The past is not that impressive with less than 1,800 yards in five seasons and a total of 15 touchdowns. His blocking and hands have gotten better over the years but that was not enough to make ESPN’s top 10 tight ends list (subscriber, $).
He did receive an honorable mention:
He is a big-play threat, with 22.2% of his receptions going for 20 or more yards last season (tied for 14th among tight ends). “Great size and speed and has gotten better as a blocker — I’ve just never trusted his hands,” a veteran NFC offensive coach said. Njoku has three drops on 82 targets since 2020.
It is interesting that the article uses that quote, a commonly held misconception about Njoku’s drops, but then proves that quote to be wrong with the data immediately following it.
With Watson, hopefully, his quarterback in 2022, Njoku has a chance to produce at a high level and match his contract. For now, outside of the top 10 makes sense.