The Cleveland Browns are expected to be active in the trade market, with some notable names expected to be available, including tight end David Njoku.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter released a list of “candidates that NFL front office executives and coaches believe could be available ahead of this year’s trade deadline.” The Browns had a presence on the list, which included Njoku, offensive linemen Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and defensive lineman Shelby Harris. Only the Tennessee Titans had more players on the list.
Njoku was a first-round pick of the Browns in 2017 and has become a key piece of the offense. He has 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown this season.
Over eight-plus seasons in Cleveland, he’s developed into one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons and one of the league’s better all-around tight ends. Njoku’s production has been marked by steady improvement, highlighted by a breakout 2023 campaign when he led the Browns in receptions and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. He has also become a respected locker-room leader and fan favorite in Cleveland.
Browns Rookie Harold Fannin Could Make David Njoku Disposable
Njoku is coming off his best game of the season. He caught six passes for 67 yards and a touchdown in a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London.
“Obviously we ask a lot of David (Njoku) in the run game and certainly in the pass game as well,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after the matchup. “I thought he had some good moments out there in the run game straining versus a very good Vikings’ defense. Then, came up big in the red zone there, in the middle of the field that I thought was a nice outing by David.”
If Njoku desires to stay in Cleveland, one factor not working in his favor is that the Browns have a potential star in rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Bowling Green product leads the team with 21 catches — just one ahead of Njoku — for 173 yards and a score. Fannin is not as well-rounded as Njoku but could have a similar journey in Cleveland.
As a third-round pick, Fannin is on a very affordable four-year deal worth $6.7 million. Njoku is in the final year of a four-year, $56.75 million contract he signed in 2022.
More Trades Expected for Browns: Report
The Browns have already been active with trades this season. Cleveland traded for offensive tackle Cam Robinson in September and parted ways with two players this week.
The Browns sent veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals in a rare trade within the AFC North on Monday. The move gives Flacco another chance to start after being benched in favor of Dillon Gabriel.
Cleveland also traded cornerback Greg Newsome to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns got Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell and a 2026 7th-round pick as the return. Newsome is in the final year of his rookie deal, while Campbell is locked in through 2028 — a major factor in the trade.
And the Browns are not done, per Terry Pluto of cleveland.com.
“I hear more trades are coming before the Nov. 4 deadline,” Pluto said.
The Browns are looking to avoid a 1-5 start to the season on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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