The Indianapolis Colts are always saying how they are on the lookout for potentially adding players who make the team better and an interesting option just hit the trade market in the form of tight end David Njoku.
The former first-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft officially asked for a trade out of Cleveland, likely due to the fact that the new regime brought in Austin Hooper to be the TE1.
It poses the question, should the Colts explore a potential trade for Njoku?
The Need
Tight end is an interesting position for the Colts. They have their starter in the room in ol’ reliable Jack Doyle. He signed a three-year extension during the 2019 season and will be leading the room again. But beyond Doyle, who turned 30 in May, there are some question marks in the room.
The Colts don’t have much in terms of future pieces at tight end. Doyle is stable but entering what is likely the final years of his career. Trey Burton is likely a short-term signing and they don’t yet know what they have in Mo Alie-Cox.
There is plenty of promise with the players the Colts have now, but it would be naive to say there is much of a future. With Njoku, he’s at least young enough (24) to still develop into a starter.
The Player
Njoku was a highly-touted tight end coming out of Miami in 2017. He was a first-round pick with the Browns in that draft with his freakish athleticism paving the way to his high draft capital.
Njoku’s production has been up and down since he entered the league. He had a promising sophomore campaign in 2018 when he recorded 56 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns but battled injuries during the 2019 season.
Has shown he can be a productive tight end in the NFL, and his athleticism could be enough to intrigue the Colts.
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The Colts always harp on athleticism as it can further the development of a player and given Frank Reich’s affinity for tight ends, this would be an intriguing addition.
The Price
Typically, when a former first-round pick gets dealt, the price is high for the team paying to get the player. That might not be the case with Njoku. While he has flashed that potential to be a impact player at tight end, his injuries kept him from doing so.
Our friends over at Browns Wire believe the team shouldn’t expect to get anything more than a fifth-round pick for the Miami product. That should be right in the wheelhouse for Chris Ballard even if he doesn’t typically like trading picks for players.
A fifth-round pick for the potential future of the tight end room is something that would require heavy consideration.
Bottom Line
Even though Njoku requested the trade, the Browns have no obligation to actually deal him. He’s still under contract for two more seasons after they picked up his fifth-year option. But if the Browns are looking for suitors, the Colts should consider it if the price is in the range of a Day 3 pick.