The NFL Trade Deadline (Nov. 5) is almost here. Attempting to make the playoffs for the first time in four years, the Indianapolis Colts need to make a deal. It would be a wise choice to trade for David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns. The Colts need an upgrade at tight end, which is certainly what Njoku would be.
Indianapolis doesn’t usually make a move at the trade deadline. General manager Chris Ballard has made only one deadline deal during his eight seasons with the franchise. In 2022, he traded Nyheim Hines to the Buffalo Bills for fellow running back Zack Moss. That proved to be a great move for the Colts as Moss became a valuable backup for Jonathan Taylor. Could Ballard make a move this year and land Njoku?
Colts Must Land David Njoku at the NFL Trade Deadline
David Njoku’s Career Thus Far
Njoku played college football at Miami (FL). During his two seasons with the Hurricanes, he caught 64 passes for 1,060 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Browns selected Njoku in the first round (29th overall pick) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He started five of his 16 games as a rookie, catching 32 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns. Njoku became a starter the following year, recording 56 receptions, 639 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. He played in just four games, though, during the 2019 season due to injury.
Njoku was a solid contributor over the next few years. In 2023, he caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns (all career-highs). As a result, he was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Missing three games due to injury this season, he has posted 25 receptions, 226 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.
Why the Colts Should Trade for David Njoku
This was supposed to be a key season in the development of quarterback Anthony Richardson. However, the Colts recently benched him in favor of Joe Flacco. No one knows if Flacco will start the rest of the season or if Richardson will eventually return to the lineup. Whether it’s Flacco or Richardson under center, they could certainly use a talented tight end like Njoku.
“Particularly a receiving tight end,” Indystar.com’s Joel A. Erickson wrote on November 1. “Indianapolis has been happy with the production they’ve gotten from veteran in-line tight end Mo Alie-Cox, but the team’s two receiving options, Kylen Granson and Will Mallory, have taken big steps back from their 2023 production. And now that Flacco’s in the driver’s seat instead of Richardson, another short-area option in the passing game could be critical, considering that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is clearly compromised as he plays through a difficult back injury.”
The Colts have several outstanding offensive players like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and the emerging Alec Pierce. The pass-catching Njoku would give the Colts’ quarterback another weapon to work with.
Indianapolis currently owns a 4-4 record. They’re in second place in the AFC South behind the Houston Texans. While they likely won’t win the division, they can still sneak into the playoffs this year. So c’mon Chris Ballard and make a move. It’s time for postseason football to return.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
