David Njoku requests trade - any interest?

[Doc]

2 hours ago, FLFan said:

Some food for thought from a Cleveland media outlet for those anxious to trade for him.   

 

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/07/david-njoku-is-demanding-cleveland-browns-trade-him-you-gotta-be-kidding-terry-pluto.html

So... bad attitude and work ethic, poor blocker,, drops a lot of passes and has injury concerns. What’s not to love?  You trade a decent draft pick for him and Rosenhaus immediately demands a new contract. Again, no thanks. 

[NewEra]

45 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

They've had interest in just about EVERY FA Carolina Panther. 

Exaggerate much? 
Just about EVERY?  What would constitute “just about every”?  90%?  80%?  

 

2018 free agents 

• QB Derek Anderson
• WR Brenton Bersin
• S Jairus Byrd
• TE Ed Dickson (signed with Seattle on March 16)
• LB Andrew Gachkar
• K Graham Gano (re-signed with Carolina on March 6)
• WR Charles D. Johnson
• DT Star Lotulelei (signed with Buffalo on March 15)
• G Andrew Norwell (signed with Jacksonville on March 15)
• DE Julius Peppers (re-signed with Carolina on March 14)
• G Amini Silatolu   Restricted Free Agents
    

• WR Kaelin Clay
• CB LaDarius Gunter
• TE Scott Simonson
• C Greg Van Roten (re-signed with Carolina on Jan. 29)
• G David Yankey  
    

2019 free agents: 

• S Mike Adams
• RB Cameron Artis-Payne
• RB Kenjon Barner
• RB Travaris Cadet
• K Chandler Catanzaro
• OT Chris Clark
• LB Thomas Davis
• WR Devin Funchess
• DE Wes Horton
• LB Ben Jacobs (released)
• S Colin Jones (re-signed 3/11)
• C Ryan Kalil (retiring)
• DT Kyle Love
• LB David Mayo
• OT Marshall Newhouse
• DE Julius Peppers (retiring)
• S Eric Reid (re-signed 2/11)
• G Amini Silatolu
• RB Fozzy Whittaker
• OT Daryl Williams

2020 free agents

• EDGE Mario Addison
• S Tre Boston (re-signed 3/19)
• CB James Bradberry
• DT Vernon Butler
• CB Ross Cockrell
• CB Javien Elliott
• WR Chris Hogan
• DE Wes Horton
• EDGE Bruce Irvin
• DT Kyle Love
• DT Gerald McCoy
• NT Stacy McGee
• G Greg Van Roten
• G Daryl Williams

Edited July 5, 2020 by NewEra

[3rdand12]

Did we not pick up Butler and Addison ?
: D

[Warcodered]

28 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

Did we not pick up Butler and Addison ?
: D

2/14 is just about every Carolina FA?

[blacklabel]

I'm not sure what all the hype is about, it's not like the guy is some kinda world beater. Take a look at his and Knox's rookie years:

 

Njoku: 32 receptions for 386 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns. 

 

Knox: 28 receptions for 388 yards (13.9 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns.

 

His second season, Njoku caught 56 passes for 639 yards (11.4 yards per catch) and another 4 TDs. Last season he played in four games (started only one) and had 5 catches for 41 yards and one TD. 

 

I'd say with the promise Knox has shown he can have a sophomore season just as good or better than what Njoku did his sophomore year. 

 

So, nah, I don't see any reason to give up anything for this dude. 

 

[KD in CA]

4 hours ago, NewEra said:

Exaggerate much? 
Just about EVERY?  What would constitute “just about every”?  90%?  80%?  

 

"Just about every" poster here (other than Scott) has long since moved past the juvenile and inaccurate characterization of Beane/McD chasing every former Panther.

[Big Turk]

I can't help but think of Black Panther when I hear this name hahaha

[NewEra]

15 minutes ago, KD in CA said:

 

"Just about every" poster here (other than Scott) has long since moved past the juvenile and inaccurate characterization of Beane/McD chasing every former Panther.

Sorry,

not sure what you’re insinuating. Gonna have to spell it out

[Clyde Smith]

2 hours ago, 3rdand12 said:

Did we not pick up Butler and Addison ?
: D

And Daryl Williams 

[Maynard]

1 hour ago, blacklabel said:

I'm not sure what all the hype is about, it's not like the guy is some kinda world beater. Take a look at his and Knox's rookie years:

 

Njoku: 32 receptions for 386 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns. 

 

Knox: 28 receptions for 388 yards (13.9 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns.

 

His second season, Njoku caught 56 passes for 639 yards (11.4 yards per catch) and another 4 TDs. Last season he played in four games (started only one) and had 5 catches for 41 yards and one TD. 

 

I'd say with the promise Knox has shown he can have a sophomore season just as good or better than what Njoku did his sophomore year. 

 

So, nah, I don't see any reason to give up anything for this dude. 

 

 

Perfectly said. Yeah, no thanks.

[FLFan]

On 7/4/2020 at 10:53 AM, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Fortunately you aren't making decisions for the Bills.

 

Nothing against Njoku, but in his 3 seasons, he's got a catch % below 60%.  He was only targeted 10x in the 4 games he played last year, so let's overlook the 50% catch % and the 20% drop rate from 2019.  The previous year (his 2nd year) he did OK - increasing his catch % from 53.3% to 63.6%, and catching 639 yds on 88 targets with 6 drops - an improvement from 386 yds on 60 targets Njoku's rookie season

 

Why does that seem like a sure bet to you to give up Dawson Knox going into his 2nd year?  Knox had a 56% catch rate and contributed 388 yds on 50 targets even with his 10 drops. 

 

Let me repeat that:

Knox's rookie season produced more yards on fewer targets than Njoku's rookie season and a higher catch % than Njoku's rookie season, even with all the bad drops. 

 

So why exactly would your heart beat to swap them?

 

 

You just get out of here with that logic, troublemaker.

[Doc]

4 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

They signed Daryl Williams, Butler, Addison, Josh Norman, and heavily pursued Greg Olsen this offseason.... They love their ex Carolina panther players. 

Huh? You realize Knox lead the NFL with a ridiculously bad drop rate. 

 

Why add another player like that?

[Doc Brown]

31 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

They signed Daryl Williams, Butler, Addison, Josh Norman, and heavily pursued Greg Olsen this offseason.... They love their ex Carolina panther players. 

Plus AJ Klein who played under McDermott.

 

8 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Why add another player like that?

His potential is off the charts and it's a low risk/high reward move IF we can get him for a 5th round pick which may be all they can get for him.

[Doc]

31 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

His potential is off the charts and it's a low risk/high reward move IF we can get him for a 5th round pick which may be all they can get for him.

 

I see Knox having the same potential as him.  What's hilarious is that many of the same people who slam Knox for his drops conveniently ignore Njoku's and say the Bills should trade for him.  If Knox can't fix his drops, neither can Njoku.  Again, why add another player like that?

 

As for his availability, the Browns appear to want to keep him.  So it would likely take more than a 5th to get him, and probably a lot more for an AFC rival.  Then you have to take into account that he hired Drew Rosenhaus, who got Duke Johnson a new deal upon being traded to the Texans last year. 

 

 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, ScottLaw said:

They signed Daryl Williams, Butler, Addison, Josh Norman, and heavily pursued Greg Olsen this offseason.... They love their ex Carolina panther players. 

Huh? You realize Knox lead the NFL with a ridiculously bad drop rate. 

Yes I realize that, thanks 

 

10 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

They've had interest in just about EVERY FA Carolina Panther. 

but this is not true.

[Wizard]

I can't see us paying what he will want in a long-term deal after this year, so I would pass on him.

 

We have our own people to pay first.

 

Talented, but I as a one-year rental when the ball already is going to be with Diggs, Brown, Beasley, Singletary, Moss, and some of Knox, it will be hsrd yo get hid touches.

 

Njoku wants to be a #1 option for his stats and money, but he is much more athlete than football player.  Nothing wrong with that, but I would pass unless Njoku is willing to take a below market 2-3 year extension if traded to Bills. I can't see that happening and I would only bite on him  if Bills are one offensive and defensive player away from AFC Title.

 

We are still 1-2 years away from that being an AFC Title contender, so no to Njoku.

Edited July 8, 2020 by Wizard
spelling

[MJS]

All the Browns players jumping ship.

 

That was one of the most hyped teams ever last off-season. A paper tiger that just flopped.

[Doc Brown]

5 hours ago, Doc said:

I see Knox having the same potential as him.  What's hilarious is that many of the same people who slam Knox for his drops conveniently ignore Njoku's and say the Bills should trade for him.  If Knox can't fix his drops, neither can Njoku.  Again, why add another player like that?

 

As for his availability, the Browns appear to want to keep him.  So it would likely take more than a 5th to get him, and probably a lot more for an AFC rival.  Then you have to take into account that he hired Drew Rosenhaus, who got Duke Johnson a new deal upon being traded to the Texans last year. 

That's some strange logic as one may improve or both may improve.  It depends on the individual.  I disagree in the potential as I see Njoku as slightly more athletic than Knox with a larger catch radius and a quicker burst.  Knox is the better blocker.  Njoku isn't getting a new contract because he hasn't done anything yet.  Too many mouths to feed in Cleveland so he wants to go to a new team to prove himself to get a big 2nd contract.  I'd only do it for a 5th (or a 4th in 2022) given the concerns you brought up.

 

 

[GunnerBill]

11 hours ago, Clyde Smith said:

And Daryl Williams 

 

And Derek Anderson.

8 hours ago, Doc said:

 

I see Knox having the same potential as him.  What's hilarious is that many of the same people who slam Knox for his drops conveniently ignore Njoku's and say the Bills should trade for him.  If Knox can't fix his drops, neither can Njoku.  Again, why add another player like that?

 

As for his availability, the Browns appear to want to keep him.  So it would likely take more than a 5th to get him, and probably a lot more for an AFC rival.  Then you have to take into account that he hired Drew Rosenhaus, who got Duke Johnson a new deal upon being traded to the Texans last year. 

 

 

 

The bolded is where we disagree and I am a big fan of Knox. Njoku has elite potential. He has had some drops, and he has been hurt but he also flashed the big play ability in 2018 that is in there. There is almost no other on his outs tight end I am interested in. I wasn't clamouring for OJ Howard, I told this board before the 2019 draft that TJ Hockenson was not worth a top 10 pick when you could get someone like Dawson Knox later..... but Njoku's ceiling is really special. I'd trade for Njoku tomorrow.

 

[Doc]

8 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

That's some strange logic as one may improve or both may improve.  It depends on the individual.  I disagree in the potential as I see Njoku as slightly more athletic than Knox with a larger catch radius and a quicker burst.  Knox is the better blocker.  Njoku isn't getting a new contract because he hasn't done anything yet.  Too many mouths to feed in Cleveland so he wants to go to a new team to prove himself to get a big 2nd contract.  I'd only do it for a 5th (or a 4th in 2022) given the concerns you brought up.

 

It's not my logic.  Again that's the viewpoint of those on this thread that slam Knox for his drops but say the Bills should absolutely go after Njoku.

 

5 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

The bolded is where we disagree and I am a big fan of Knox. Njoku has elite potential. He has had some drops, and he has been hurt but he also flashed the big play ability in 2018 that is in there. There is almost no other on his outs tight end I am interested in. I wasn't clamouring for OJ Howard, I told this board before the 2019 draft that TJ Hockenson was not worth a top 10 pick when you could get someone like Dawson Knox later..... but Njoku's ceiling is really special. I'd trade for Njoku tomorrow.

 

I agree with you on Howard and Hock.  I just remain skeptical that Njoku will reach his potential, much less maintain it, for various reasons, much less in Buffalo (he's worried about pecking order in Cleveland...).  And to give up a draft pick and a new contract, it's a non-starter for me.

Edited July 6, 2020 by Doc

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Doc said:

I agree with you on Howard and Hock.  I just remain skeptical that Njoku will reach his potential, much less maintain it, for various reasons, much less in Buffalo (he's worried about pecking order in Cleveland...).  And to give up a draft pick and a new contract, it's a non-starter for me.

 

I understand your view. I was responding mainly to the insinuation that people who wanted Njoku were cutting him slack that they were not willing to cut for Dawson Knox. I am a fan of both players. I think both still have a chance to improve significantly. I just believe Njoku's ceiling to be higher based on what he has put on tape both at the collegiate and (in limited action) at the NFL level. And regardless..... it improves our tight end room even if you believe that Knox is a stud. Do a deal with Njoku that tapers off pretty quick at the point you think you might be in the position of wanting to pay Dawson Knox and ride with two legit tight ends for the next 3 seasons. Would make a change for a franchise that has started Scott Chandler, Nick O'Leary and Chris Gragg at various points in the past decade.

[NoSaint]

1 hour ago, Doc said:

 

It's not my logic.  Again that's the viewpoint of those on this thread that slam Knox for his drops but say the Bills should absolutely go after Njoku.

 

 

I agree with you on Howard and Hock.  I just remain skeptical that Njoku will reach his potential, much less maintain it, for various reasons, much less in Buffalo (he's worried about pecking order in Cleveland...).  And to give up a draft pick and a new contract, it's a non-starter for me.

he’d jump to the top of our food chain at TE and be his job to lose at TE1. So I’m not sure the “much less in buffalo” comment works here.

 

and we wouldn’t have to pay him this year 

[Doc]

9 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

he’d jump to the top of our food chain at TE and be his job to lose at TE1. So I’m not sure the “much less in buffalo” comment works here.

 

and we wouldn’t have to pay him this year 

 

Doubtful.  He's way behind Knox in terms of learning the playbook.

 

And I'm sure a trade would be contingent upon him getting a new deal.

 

[NoSaint]

35 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Doubtful.  He's way behind Knox in terms of learning the playbook.

 

And I'm sure a trade would be contingent upon him getting a new deal.

 

1) So we are thinking only bad units with new coaches or new (low skill) additions to the unit?

 

2) there is a great chance he wants to showcase that skill before, not after, signing a new deal. I think he’s unlikely to rush a contract.

[YoloinOhio]

Browns fans hate this guy which means he’s probably going to be awesome on his next team 

[Doc Brown]

43 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

Browns fans hate this guy which means he’s probably going to be awesome on his next team 

They were lukewarm on him until he requested a trade and now he sucks.

 

3 hours ago, Doc said:

It's not my logic.  Again that's the viewpoint of those on this thread that slam Knox for his drops but say the Bills should absolutely go after Njoku.

I'd have to go back to the drops and compare them to Knox's to get a good understanding of how much he struggled.  

 

1 hour ago, Doc said:

And I'm sure a trade would be contingent upon him getting a new deal.

Then he won't be traded because nobody will give him a decent contract because he hasn't proved anything yet.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[Doc]

57 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

1) So we are thinking only bad units with new coaches or new (low skill) additions to the unit?

 

2) there is a great chance he wants to showcase that skill before, not after, signing a new deal. I think he’s unlikely to rush a contract.

 

I think they're expecting Knox to continue to develop.  And are expecting Kroft to contribute.

 

And by recently hiring Rosenhaus, whose MO is well-known, I have no doubt a new contract is a demand from a new team.

 

7 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

I'd have to go back to the drops and compare them to Knox's to get a good understanding of how much he struggled.  

 

Then he won't be traded because nobody will give him a decent contract because he hasn't proved anything yet.

 

The drops I saw from Knox were mostly of the run-before-securing-the-catch type.  Not sure about Njoku.

 

And I doubt he gets traded unless someone blows them away with an offer.  And if he does get traded, it's to the NFC.

[YoloinOhio]

 

[NoSaint]

17 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

I think they're expecting Knox to continue to develop.  And are expecting Kroft to contribute.

 

And by recently hiring Rosenhaus, whose MO is well-known, I have no doubt a new contract is a demand from a new team.

 

 

The drops I saw from Knox were mostly of the run-before-securing-the-catch type.  Not sure about Njoku.

 

And I doubt he gets traded unless someone blows them away with an offer.  And if he does get traded, it's to the NFC.

First parts a bit of a waffle from simply the play book knowledge. 
 

second ignores that rosenhaus is above all consistent in finding the path to the pay day. That’s not behind hooper, that’s being a TE1 for a year successfully. He doesn’t need to rush a deal for less or demanding a crazy unearned deal. He’s in fact often very practical in that regard.

[John from Riverside]

10 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

And Derek Anderson.

 

The bolded is where we disagree and I am a big fan of Knox. Njoku has elite potential. He has had some drops, and he has been hurt but he also flashed the big play ability in 2018 that is in there. There is almost no other on his outs tight end I am interested in. I wasn't clamouring for OJ Howard, I told this board before the 2019 draft that TJ Hockenson was not worth a top 10 pick when you could get someone like Dawson Knox later..... but Njoku's ceiling is really special. I'd trade for Njoku tomorrow.

 

I would also like to get Njoku but has Knox also not flashed that same big play ability

[Doc]

58 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

First parts a bit of a waffle from simply the play book knowledge. 
 

second ignores that rosenhaus is above all consistent in finding the path to the pay day. That’s not behind hooper, that’s being a TE1 for a year successfully. He doesn’t need to rush a deal for less or demanding a crazy unearned deal. He’s in fact often very practical in that regard.

 

No waffle.  They expect him to develop...because he's been with the team for over a year and knows the system, players and playbook. 

 

And if Rosenhaus/Njoku want to prove themselves before asking for a new contract, they'll want a team without a promising TE, if not fewer weapons, so he gets more targets.  Not sure what team that would be but he'll be hard-pressed to get them in Buffalo.

[NoSaint]

37 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

No waffle.  They expect him to develop...because he's been with the team for over a year and knows the system, players and playbook. 

 

And if Rosenhaus/Njoku want to prove themselves before asking for a new contract, they'll want a team without a promising TE, if not fewer weapons, so he gets more targets.  Not sure what team that would be but he'll be hard-pressed to get them in Buffalo.

ironically, doc, we may finally have the weapons to entice a guy like this... you don’t want to be alone as a threat. A good running game and couple of deep threats opens up for a guy like him (see Kelce). 

im not arguing we are a slam dunk to chase him, just that I don’t think your reasons are great.

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, John from Riverside said:

I would also like to get Njoku but has Knox also not flashed that same big play ability

 

Not to the same degree. 

[Doc]

11 minutes ago, NoSaint said:

ironically, doc, we may finally have the weapons to entice a guy like this... you don’t want to be alone as a threat. A good running game and couple of deep threats opens up for a guy like him (see Kelce). 

im not arguing we are a slam dunk to chase him, just that I don’t think your reasons are great.

 

If the Bills have the weapons to entice him...why does he want off the Browns?  Doesn't make sense. 

 

All I've heard as a reason to get him is "potential."  Meanwhile I've heard he has issues with maturity, work ethic, drops, blocking, and possibly injuries. 

[NoSaint]

34 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

If the Bills have the weapons to entice him...why does he want off the Browns?  Doesn't make sense. 

 

All I've heard as a reason to get him is "potential."  Meanwhile I've heard he has issues with maturity, work ethic, drops, blocking, and possibly injuries. 

because they have a TE1 that just signed a monster deal and our tight end room is Knox, Kroft and Sweeney. Unless you think it’s going to be harder to unseat hooper than Knox. 
 

our weapons would be around him not in front of him. 
 

but you obviously knew that. 

[FireChans]

On 7/5/2020 at 12:00 PM, NewEra said:

Exaggerate much? 
Just about EVERY?  What would constitute “just about every”?  90%?  80%?  

 

2018 free agents 

• QB Derek Anderson
• WR Brenton Bersin
• S Jairus Byrd
• TE Ed Dickson (signed with Seattle on March 16)
• LB Andrew Gachkar
• K Graham Gano (re-signed with Carolina on March 6)
• WR Charles D. Johnson
• DT Star Lotulelei (signed with Buffalo on March 15)
• G Andrew Norwell (signed with Jacksonville on March 15)
• DE Julius Peppers (re-signed with Carolina on March 14)
• G Amini Silatolu   Restricted Free Agents
    

• WR Kaelin Clay
• CB LaDarius Gunter
• TE Scott Simonson
• C Greg Van Roten (re-signed with Carolina on Jan. 29)
• G David Yankey  
    

2019 free agents: 

• S Mike Adams
• RB Cameron Artis-Payne
• RB Kenjon Barner
• RB Travaris Cadet
• K Chandler Catanzaro
• OT Chris Clark
• LB Thomas Davis
• WR Devin Funchess
• DE Wes Horton
• LB Ben Jacobs (released)
• S Colin Jones (re-signed 3/11)
• C Ryan Kalil (retiring)
• DT Kyle Love
• LB David Mayo
• OT Marshall Newhouse
• DE Julius Peppers (retiring)
• S Eric Reid (re-signed 2/11)
• G Amini Silatolu
• RB Fozzy Whittaker
• OT Daryl Williams

2020 free agents

• EDGE Mario Addison
• S Tre Boston (re-signed 3/19)
• CB James Bradberry
• DT Vernon Butler
• CB Ross Cockrell
• CB Javien Elliott
• WR Chris Hogan
• DE Wes Horton
• EDGE Bruce Irvin
• DT Kyle Love
• DT Gerald McCoy
• NT Stacy McGee
• G Greg Van Roten
• G Daryl Williams

You missed Philly Brown in 2017. And Mike Tolbert. And we traded for Kaelin Clay.

 

The Carolina connection is real.

20 hours ago, MJS said:

All the Browns players jumping ship.

 

That was one of the most hyped teams ever last off-season. A paper tiger that just flopped.

They drafted a TE, and signed the best FA TE on the market. 

 

Njoku will be competing for the #2 job and even if he wins it, won’t see enough targets to get massive compensation when his rookie contract is up. Better to seek a trade now to maximize his value when he hits FA.

 

Common sense, honestly.

[MJS]

17 minutes ago, FireChans said:

Njoku will be competing for the #2 job and even if he wins it, won’t see enough targets to get massive compensation when his rookie contract is up. Better to seek a trade now to maximize his value when he hits FA.

 

Common sense, honestly.

 

That and everyone wants out of Cleveland

[NewEra]

57 minutes ago, FireChans said:

You missed Philly Brown in 2017. And Mike Tolbert. And we traded for Kaelin Clay.

 

The Carolina connection is real.

They drafted a TE, and signed the best FA TE on the market. 

 

Njoku will be competing for the #2 job and even if he wins it, won’t see enough targets to get massive compensation when his rookie contract is up. Better to seek a trade now to maximize his value when he hits FA.

 

Common sense, honestly.

Of course it’s real. No one is saying it isn’t real. 
 

Beane (and McD) scouted and liked those players enough to draft/sign those players when he was in Carolina.....it makes sense that he would be interested in them. They had success with those players.  Seems to be working out just fine so far.  
 

Looking at that FA list I posted..... there are 6 ex bills that made their way to Carolina.  While 

[Doc]

3 hours ago, NoSaint said:

because they have a TE1 that just signed a monster deal and our tight end room is Knox, Kroft and Sweeney. Unless you think it’s going to be harder to unseat hooper than Knox. 
 

our weapons would be around him not in front of him. 
 

but you obviously knew that.

 

Earlier I stated the reasons why Knox would be in front of him as well and that he'd have to work his way up to #1 TE, in what may be an abbreviated training camp and what will definitely be an abbreviated pre-season.  Especially if they trade just a 5th for him and he plays under his rookie contract. 

 

But again, I doubt the Browns trade him to an AFC rival, much less for so little, and I'd be willing to bet that Rosenhaus demands that Njoku be the starter if he's not given a new deal.  That being said, I doubt the Bills have any interest.