David Njoku disputes report he wants out of Cleveland

Is David Njoku officially on his way out of the Cleveland?

As the NFL trade deadline looms near, multiple players will be on the block. Some will be due to rosters looking to fire sale, others will be used a cheap rental additions due to expiring contracts. Then, there’s players who are lost in the depth chart hoping to rebound on a new franchise.

Somewhere in the middle is where Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku lies.

After three and half years with the organization, the former Miami product still hasn’t found his footing in the Dawg Pound. And after early reports of frustration with the newest additions, it seemed destined for Njoku to be shipped out to a team needing another weapon.

That however isn’t the case according to the man himself.

Conflicting reports in Cleveland? 

Earlier Monday, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that a league source told her that Njoku still hopes to be traded before the deadline.  The 24-year-old initially asked to be traded on July 3 but then rescinded the request on Aug. 1.

According to Njoku, he never stated that to Cabot or Cleveland.com that he would like to leave the organization.

Njoku returned to the Browns’ offense last in the victory over the Colts, tallying one catch for six yards. In Sunday’s 38-7 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he collected one catch off three targets for a seven-yard game. In the three games Njoku’s been active this season, he currently has five receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown.

While Njoku perhaps might want to stay, Cleveland could have other plans. Despite Kevin Stefanski’s offense using a two-tight end system, the former first-rounder could be the odd man out. Earlier this offseason, Cleveland added former Falcons standout Austin Hooper on a four-year, $42 million contract. In Njoku’s absence, rookie Harrison Bryant has become useful, tallying eight catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.

This could be a name to watch for over the next few weeks before the trading period comes to a close on Nov.3. In three seasons, Njoku has hauled in 98 total catches for 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns. Earlier this offseason, the Browns also picked up his fifth-year option worth roughly $6.4 million for 2021.