David Njoku, TE Browns, on the trading block...

[Inigo Montoya]

Good article on the Njoku situation. 

 

https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2021/4/10/22376902/will-te-david-njoku-ultimately-become-draft-day-trade-bait

 

I work with a doc who is a lifelong Browns fan who says the Browns are currently shopping Njoku for a 4th round pick.  His salary this year is $6 million, a number that Beane could put together with a little bit of shuffling around.  It is the 5th and final year of Njoku's rookie contract.  The Browns exercised his 5th year option.  He was the 29th overall selection By the Browns in the 2017 Draft.  The expectation around the NFL is that he will be on another team by the end of the Draft.  A quick Google search brought up several articles focusing on the Cardinals, Cowboys, Panthers, and Rams seeming like good landing places for him.  One also mentioned the Bills in passing.

 

Njoku injured his wrist and went to IR in 2019 and only played 4 games, and last season he was just swallowed up by the offensive depth on the Browns roster and hasn't been able to produce like expected.  He sure looked good his first two seasons though and he is fully healthy now.  His career stats are linked below.  He is also only 24 and should have plenty of good years ahead of him.  Ertz, who the Bills were rumored to have inquired about, is 30 by comparison.

 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NjokDa00.htm

 

Would Beane consider bringing in Njoku on a one year contract as a audition for a possible long term extension, or is the $6 million price tag just too steep for a cap strapped team to pay for a player who could walk in free agency after one season?  The other wild card is that the Browns may be hesitant to trade Njoku to a rival AFC contender.  I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a Battle of Lake Erie in the playoffs this year.

 

I think he would be a great add for the Bills who are looking to make a run this year and have question marks at the TE position.   Sitting at #30 in this year's Draft there are no good options at the TE position for the Bills.  I think trading for Njoku would be a great use of a 4th round pick if Beane can swing it.

 

 

 

[YoloinOhio]

We don’t have a 4th but I’d throw them a 7th

[Solomon Grundy]

I’d give them one of the 5th rounders or the 6th. My question is Njoku or James?

Edited April 11, 2021 by Solomon Grundy

[GunnerBill]

We don't have a 4th but if they'd take one of our 5ths then I'd do it in a heartbeat. Before Kyle Pitts this year he was the highest grade I have ever given to a tight end. He has had some injury issues and some drops but talent wise he is another level to what we have.

[Blank Stare]

I’d sooner give up a 4th or 5th for Njoku than I would Ertz. At only 24, he’s got a lot of days ahead of him and I’d like to see our coaches get a crack at making him “the best version of himself”. That’s not to say I wouldn’t also trade a 4th or 5th for Ertz if that’s what Beane wants to do, but I lean to the younger player if we are giving up 4 years of a cost controlled asset. 

[BillsCuse]

He has talent, but never lived up to his hype.  Maybe I would entertain a 4th (which we dont have) if he had more years on his contract.  For a one year rental for 6mil which we dont have either....maybe a 6th rounder if they coukd rework his deal

[DJB]

 

Thats my tweet on Njoku a while ago. I still really like the player and he's a tremendous value right now in terms of the draft capital it would likely take to acquire him

Edited April 11, 2021 by DJB

[NewEra]

I’d give up a 5th for sure.  Maybe a 5th this year and a 6th next.  

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

18 minutes ago, Inigo Montoya said:

Njoku injured his wrist and went to IR in 2019 and only played 4 games, and last season he was just swallowed up by the offensive depth on the Browns roster and hasn't been able to produce like expected. 

Good.  We need a new Pufnstuf! 😁

*
Can't do a little 'cause he can't do enough...because he's inactive for today's game.

Edited April 11, 2021 by Ridgewaycynic2013
Catchy lyrics

[BuffaloRebound]

I’d rather have Ertz.  Good thing is njoku being available probably hurts Eagles in their quest to get a 3rd for Ertz.  

[Hapless Bills Fan]

17 minutes ago, Inigo Montoya said:

Good article on the Njoku situation. 

 

https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2021/4/10/22376902/will-te-david-njoku-ultimately-become-draft-day-trade-bait

 

I work with a doc who is a lifelong Browns fan who says the Browns are currently shopping Njoku for a 4th round pick.  His salary this year is $6 million, a number that Beane could put together with a little bit of shuffling around.  It is the 5th and final year of Njoku's rookie contract.  The Browns exercised his 5th year option.  He was the 29th overall selection By the Browns in the 2017 Draft.  The expectation around the NFL is that he will be on another team by the end of the Draft.  A quick Google search brought up several articles focusing on the Cardinals, Cowboys, Panthers, and Rams seeming like good landing places for him.  One also mentioned the Bills in passing.

 

Njoku injured his wrist and went to IR in 2019 and only played 4 games, and last season he was just swallowed up by the offensive depth on the Browns roster and hasn't been able to produce like expected.  He sure looked good his first two seasons though and he is fully healthy now.  His career stats are linked below.  He is also only 24 and should have plenty of good years ahead of him.  Ertz, who the Bills were rumored to have inquired about, is 30 by comparison.

 

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NjokDa00.htm

 

I think you kind of answered your own question.  Njoku got pushed to #3 on the Browns TE lineup by the upgrade they felt they needed (Hooper) and a 4th round rookie Bryant.

 

Difference makers don't get "swallowed up by the offensive depth" at TE, especially when that depth is not stunningly productive - Bryant had 238 yds on 38 targets, 24 receptions and Hooper had his worst offensive productivity since his rookie season with 46 receptions on 70 targets for 435 yds.

 

Njoku really had one promising year to my view of those statistics, his 2nd.  The Bills already did the experiment of paying $$ to a "buried on the depth chart" guy who had one good season, with Tyler Kroft.

 

If the question is "What #3 TE in his 4th season who played on a contending team last year can we pick up as an audition for a long-term contract?" the answer is already on our roster, we didn't have to trade for him, he didn't cost us $6M cap, and he's previously accustomed to catching stuff Allen flings in his general direction.

[Frat-Train]

I’d trade Edmunds for him and Cle’s 2nd this year...  There, I said it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

[Victory Formation]

I’d do it for 5th or 6th.

[HOUSE]

I was really hoping for an ex gunfighter

[Inigo Montoya]

3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I think you kind of answered your own question.  Njoku got pushed to #3 on the Browns TE lineup by the upgrade they felt they needed (Hooper) and a 4th round rookie Bryant.

 

Difference makers don't get "swallowed up by the offensive depth" at TE, especially when that depth is not stunningly productive - Bryant had 238 yds on 38 targets, 24 receptions and Hooper had his worst offensive productivity since his rookie season with 46 receptions on 70 targets for 435 yds.

 

Njoku really had one promising year to my view of those statistics, his 2nd.  The Bills already did the experiment of paying $$ to a "buried on the depth chart" guy who had one good season, with Tyler Kroft.

 

If the question is "What #3 TE in his 4th season who played on a contending team last year can we pick up as an audition for a long-term contract?" the answer is already on our roster, we didn't have to trade for him, he didn't cost us $6M cap, and he's previously accustomed to catching stuff Allen flings in his general direction.

 

The Browns became a ball control, run first team under Stefanski.   Njoku only had 29 targets last season.  By comparison, Dawson Knox who was 6th in targets on the Bills last season, had 44 targets.  I just think Njoku was underutilized in the passing game last season.

 

🍻

[H2o]

Definitely count me in on Njoku and I would take him over James without a second thought. Insanely athletic and underutilized in Cleveland. A combo of him and Knox would be a matchup problem for defenses every week. It also gives Josh another big, talented target. I'd send a 5th and a conditional late rounder in 2022. 

[Coach Tuesday]

Dude has been on the trade block most of his career.

[B-Man]

 

 

Seems to me that if he can't contribute to the Cleveland Browns,

 

he can't contribute here.

 

 

 

[Boxcar]

17 minutes ago, Frat-Train said:

I’d trade Edmunds for him and Cle’s 2nd this year...  There, I said it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

You'd trade Edmunds for literally anyone, so it isn't saying much.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

2 minutes ago, B-Man said:

 

 

Seems to me that if he can't contribute to the Cleveland Browns,

 

he can't contribute here.

 

 

 

Possibly, but think of all the weeping, wailing, and hand wringing threads he would cause here on a weekly basis: 'Njoku inactive again?!?'

2 minutes ago, Boxcar said:

You'd trade Edmunds for literally anyone, so it isn't saying much.

Throw in Sherlock Holmes and you have yourself a deal!

[SCBills]

21 minutes ago, Frat-Train said:

I’d trade Edmunds for him and Cle’s 2nd this year...  There, I said it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Is a trade thread even official if Edmunds isn’t included in, at least, one proposal?

 

Edited April 11, 2021 by SCBills

[Frat-Train]

36 minutes ago, Boxcar said:

You'd trade Edmunds for literally anyone, so it isn't saying much.

Literally the first trade I’ve mentioned him on.   🤔
 

Edit:  Just found a post where I commented on someone else’s trade...   3 months ago.  So yea.  Not sure I understand your post, but no worries.

Edited April 11, 2021 by Frat-Train
Adding

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 minutes ago, Inigo Montoya said:

 

The Browns became a ball control, run first team under Stefanski.   Njoku only had 29 targets last season.  By comparison, Dawson Knox who was 6th in targets on the Bills last season, had 44 targets.  I just think Njoku was underutilized in the passing game last season.

 

The point is: how much did he see the field last season?  Cleveland plays the highest % of 3 TE sets in the league, maybe 6th highest % of 2 TE sets.  But Njoku still saw his playing time nibbled down by a rookie.  He was "underutilized" in part because he dropped on the depth chart to their big FA acquisition, Hooper, but also to their rookie.

 

Seattle also plays a lot of 2 TE sets - maybe 5th highest %, higher than Cleveland - and with Seattle's FA acquisition of Olsen, Hollister saw his playing time drop, not only to Olsen, but to 3rd year Seattle draft choice Dissly.

 

My point is if we want to sign a team's #3 TE who had "meh" production last year and got pushed down the depth chart by a FA signing and a younger player, we don't have to trade for him and pay him $6M, we already signed that guy.

 

 

[Victory Formation]

41 minutes ago, Boxcar said:

You'd trade Edmunds for literally anyone, so it isn't saying much.

Well, in all honesty Edmunds is terrible, hate to say it.

[Bobby Hooks]

9 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

Well, in all honesty Edmunds is terrible, hate to say it.

Doesn’t seem like you hate to say it. Actually seems like you kind of enjoy saying it. 

 

Either way, you’re wrong. He’s not great, but also not terrible. Maybe you meant to say he’s not great? 

 

Lets say the Bills listened and traded him for anything. Who would you plug into the starting mlb spot that a.) we can afford, b.) is available, and c.) is better?

 

If you dont have the answer you’re kinda just saying stuff to say stuff. 

Edited April 11, 2021 by Bobby Hooks

[Frat-Train]

6 minutes ago, Bobby Hooks said:

Doesn’t seem like you hate to say it. Actually seems like you kind of enjoy saying it. 

 

Either way, you’re wrong. He’s not great, but also not terrible. Maybe you meant to say he’s not great? 

 

Lets say the Bills listened and traded him for anything. Who would you plug into the starting mlb spot that a.) we can afford, b.) is available, and c.) is better?

 

If you dont have the answer you’re kinda just saying stuff to say stuff. 

Just stepping in to say I don’t think he’s terrible at all, but I’d be hesitant to pick up his option.  Also, LB is statistically one of the safer draft positions.  I’d be all for open comp and drafting a player.  But I’m fine keeping him.  Was just making convo on the whole Njoku subject before I was casted as a serial Edmunds hater with malicious intent.

[Draconator]

4 minutes ago, Frat-Train said:

malicious intent.

[thenorthremembers]

This guy has been on the trading block for what seems like forever.    If he has such great potential why were the Browns so quick to pay Austin Hooper 10 million dollars a year? 

 

From my standpoint you already have an athletic tight end with bad hands, and good upside on the roster, his name is Dawson Knox.   Njoku was raw and over-drafted to start, dont be the second team to give up a pick for him.  

[Frat-Train]

2 minutes ago, Draconator said:

You’ve won the internet.  And a small piece  of my heart.  

Edited April 11, 2021 by Frat-Train

[SCBills]

I’m not opposed to trading Edmunds and drafting a MLB, if the FO thinks that’s feasible.. but the “Edmunds” discussion is always difficult because he has insane potential, yet hasn’t shown a ton relative to his draft position.   The excuse is that he’s young, but it’s not like we were surprised by his youth after we drafted him.. we were aware, and after this year will have to think about whether we pay him or not - no matter how young he is.  
 

That said, Njoku isn’t a guy I’m willing to have this discussion in relation to.  
 

Edited April 11, 2021 by SCBills

[Bobby Hooks]

 

13 minutes ago, Frat-Train said:

Just stepping in to say I don’t think he’s terrible at all, but I’d be hesitant to pick up his option.  Also, LB is statistically one of the safer draft positions.  I’d be all for open comp and drafting a player.  But I’m fine keeping him.  Was just making convo on the whole Njoku subject before I was casted as a serial Edmunds hater with malicious intent.

I’d agree with that. I’m not all that high on Edmunds and certainly don’t want to pay him the big bucks he’ll be looking for. 

 

But teams dont typically trade their starting mlb for peanuts with no plan to fill the position. At this point it would be ridiculous. 

 

Edited April 11, 2021 by Bobby Hooks

[Victory Formation]

7 minutes ago, Bobby Hooks said:

Doesn’t seem like you hate to say it. Actually seems like you kind of enjoy saying it. 

 

Either way, you’re wrong. He’s not great, but also not terrible. Maybe you meant to say he’s not great? 

 

Lets say the Bills listened and traded him for anything. Who would you plug into the starting mlb spot that a.) we can afford, b.) is available, and c.) is better?

 

If you dont have the answer you’re kinda just saying stuff to say stuff. 

Who would I plug into the starting MLB spot? Probably Zaven Collins. Micah Parsons is incredible but he won’t be there. Collins can manhandle linemen, rush the passer and is a hammer in run support, smart player but not as athletic as Edmunds is in coverage per se but he makes up for it in awareness.

 

Edmunds consistently shoots the wrong gap and once a lineman engages him he struggles to shed blocks and although he is athletic, he is consistently out of position in coverage and is easily confused by QBs and most packages.

 

Could the lights turn on for Edmunds this year? Absolutely. I’m a human being, my thoughts are not infallible. I do think Edmunds would be better as an OLB than as a MLB. He is a specimen, if he could grow intellectually as player between the ears he could be a force. Honestly though, I’ve been his biggest critic since the draft, I don’t care how many Pro Bowls he’s been to, wouldn’t pay him. Don’t like how he’s not physical either..

 

Anyways, I’m not talking for the sake of talking but I do love talking football, maybe more than I should but we all have our vices. No disrespect to you or anyone else on the board, I just don’t like him. It’s a touchy topic here though I get it. Very touchy topic.

[Sharky7337]

1 hour ago, Frat-Train said:

I’d trade Edmunds for him and Cle’s 2nd this year...  There, I said it!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

I'd trade Edmunds for DMX 's corpse- at least you know x gonna give it to ya!

[Frat-Train]

8 minutes ago, Sharky7337 said:

I'd trade Edmunds for DMX 's corpse- at least you know x gonna give it to ya!

Ooff...

 

(steps away slowly and backs into a shrub...)

[Solomon Grundy]

1 hour ago, BillsCuse said:

He has talent, but never lived up to his hype.  Maybe I would entertain a 4th (which we dont have) if he had more years on his contract.  For a one year rental for 6mil which we dont have either....maybe a 6th rounder if they coukd rework his deal

Maybe a better QB might help Njoku regain his swag?

1 hour ago, B-Man said:

 

 

Seems to me that if he can't contribute to the Cleveland Browns,

 

he can't contribute here.

 

 

 

OBJ was a very productive WR with the NYG. Why the decline in Cle?🤔

[Solomon Grundy]

56 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

The point is: how much did he see the field last season?  Cleveland plays the highest % of 3 TE sets in the league, maybe 6th highest % of 2 TE sets.  But Njoku still saw his playing time nibbled down by a rookie.  He was "underutilized" in part because he dropped on the depth chart to their big FA acquisition, Hooper, but also to their rookie.

 

Seattle also plays a lot of 2 TE sets - maybe 5th highest %, higher than Cleveland - and with Seattle's FA acquisition of Olsen, Hollister saw his playing time drop, not only to Olsen, but to 3rd year Seattle draft choice Dissly.

 

My point is if we want to sign a team's #3 TE who had "meh" production last year and got pushed down the depth chart by a FA signing and a younger player, we don't have to trade for him and pay him $6M, we already signed that guy.

 

 

Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery. Remember Jerry Hughes was a “meh” player in Indy. 

[BuffaloBillsGospel]

Wouldn't he also be a 6M cap hit as well as giving up a draft pick? That's a pretty bad cap hit for a player who has never lived up to his potential. 

[Solomon Grundy]

24 minutes ago, Victory Formation said:

Who would I plug into the starting MLB spot? Probably Zaven Collins. Micah Parsons is incredible but he won’t be there. Collins can manhandle linemen, rush the passer and is a hammer in run support, smart player but not as athletic as Edmunds is in coverage per se but he makes up for it in awareness.

 

Edmunds consistently shoots the wrong gap and once a lineman engages him he struggles to shed blocks and although he is athletic, he is consistently out of position in coverage and is easily confused by QBs and most packages.

 

Could the lights turn on for Edmunds this year? Absolutely. I’m a human being, my thoughts are not infallible. I do think Edmunds would be better as an OLB than as a MLB. He is a specimen, if he could grow intellectually as player between the ears he could be a force. Honestly though, I’ve been his biggest critic since the draft, I don’t care how many Pro Bowls he’s been to, wouldn’t pay him. Don’t like how he’s not physical either..

 

Anyways, I’m not talking for the sake of talking but I do love talking football, maybe more than I should but we all have our vices. No disrespect to you or anyone else on the board, I just don’t like him. It’s a touchy topic here though I get it. Very touchy topic.

In another post, the poster’s thought was why not draft Zaven Collins @30, plug him into Milano’s position and use Milano in the “big nickel” position?

[Victory Formation]

1 minute ago, Solomon Grundy said:

In another post, the poster’s thought was why not draft Zaven Collins @30, plug him into Milano’s position and use Milano in the “big nickel” position?

I think you would have to put Edmunds in Milano’s old position and Collins would play in Edmunds old spot.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

40 minutes ago, Frat-Train said:

Just stepping in to say I don’t think he’s terrible at all, but I’d be hesitant to pick up his option.  Also, LB is statistically one of the safer draft positions.  I’d be all for open comp and drafting a player.  But I’m fine keeping him.  Was just making convo on the whole Njoku subject before I was casted as a serial Edmunds hater with malicious intent.

 

Yeah, it's going to be interesting to see if the Bills pick up his option or not.  Some defensive teammates in interviews have mentioned him as the leader on D.  McDermott acknowledged mid-season they need more difference-making plays from him, but he, Frazier, and Beane still speak very positively about him.

 

May 5th (I think) is the deadline for the Bills picking up his 5th year option, which I believe is fully guaranteed on that day.  That's gonna indicate more about how the Bills truly see him, than all the talky-talking they do.