5 targets for Browns in 2022 NFL free agency
By John Buhler
C.J. Uzomah. player. 56. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Cincinnati Bengals. TE. 2
Why not try to steal an archrival’s star tight end with C.J. Uzomah?
No matter what you think about Hooper, Njoku or whoever plays tight end for the Browns, you have to recognize that a bitter division rival could be losing their No. 1 tight end this offseason in C.J. Uzomah of Cincinnati Bengals fame. While one would think they would prioritize bringing him back on a second contract with all that cap space, he is a prime candidate for someone to poach.
Though Uzomah is the unquestioned No. 1 tight end in Cincinnati, he is not the straw that stirs the drink for the Bengals in the receiving game. That would be the talented wide receiver trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, all of whom are younger than him. Chase and Higgins are still on rookie deals, while Boyd has slotted in very nicely as Joe Burrow’s No. 3 wide receiver.
In short, Uzomah enters free agency a bit overvalued. He is coming off his breakout season with the Bengals but has suffered injuries in recent years playing for Cincinnati. While the 29-year-old should make anyone’s receiving corps better, buyer beware of overpaying. However, the Browns are in a position to potentially improve their team by making a division rival worse in the process.
If the Browns are good with letting Njoku walk or cutting Hooper, they can totally pursue Uzomah.