The trade deadline is just hours away, and Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku could be the next big-name player to find a new home. At 2-7, the Browns are out of postseason contention and already established themselves as sellers when they sent wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. While Jameis Winston installed some life into the aerial attack during their Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens, it’s too late for this team to turn it around.
With Deshaun Watson’s absurd cap hit making roster building nearly impossible, the Browns have to try and win games by hitting on cost-controlled draft picks. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that the Browns are “highly unlikely” to trade David Njoku, but that could be a way to try and boost his value. This team is not in a position to turn down premium draft picks, and a team like the Los Angeles Chargers or Kansas City Chiefs could go after him.
Chiefs, Chargers Could Trade For David Njoku
The Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 10 with a 5-3 record and are clicking on all cylinders. Justin Herbert is playing the best football of his career, young wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are coming alive, and head coach Jim Harbuagh’s defense and running game are playing up to their potential. This team looks nothing like the five-win unit from 2023 and they have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs. However, if they want to reach their full ceiling, they should address the tight end position.
Los Angeles entered the season with arguably the league’s least reliable group of pass-catching weapons. While McConkey and Johnston have exceeded expectations, the tight end room remains a mess. Will Dissly is doing the best he can, but he’s nothing more than a replacement-level starter. Former first-round pick Hayden Hurst, meanwhile, has been terrible when healthy and is currently battling injury. A David Njoku trade would dramatically increase the talent in the tight end room, and Njoku’s three-down ability makes him an ideal fit in Harbaugh’s offense.
More Help For Mahomes
Travis Kelce is arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, and he’s still a reliable player. However, age has caught up to the 35-year-old, as the four-time All-Pro has not been as consistent as in years past. While he still has impressive performances, they’re fewer and further between than usual. With the wide receiver room comprised of inexperienced players like rookie Xavier Worthy and older veterans like the recently-acquired DeAndre Hopkins. David Njoku is not a superstar, but the trade candidate could be a vital part of this offense down the stretch.
The Chiefs are chasing history as the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. While they should be one of the league’s top contenders, they’re not as perfect as their pristine record implies. Kansas City knows this, which is why they traded for Hopkins and former Patriot Josh Uche in the first place. David Njoku could put this team over the top and could be the heir to Travis Kelce if the NFL legend decides to call it a career in the next year or two.
Main Photo: Scott Galvin – USA Today Sports
