Who is he — and will he change the game for Drake Maye?
David Njoku is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2025 NFL season, leaving the Cleveland Browns with a major decision to make over the next few months. This decision became a bit more difficult as the San Francisco 49ers gave George Kittle a new contract and that contract will have implications. The 49ers went on to sign Kittle, who is 31 years old and turning 32, to a four-year, $76.4 million extension.
For Njoku, who has a similar skill set to George Kittle, will now be looking for a similar deal at 28 years old. With that the new base for Njoku, it doesn’t bode well for the Cleveland Browns, who are in the midst of a rebuild and need to be wise with their spending. After they just drafted Harold Fannin Jr, it leaves the Browns with better availability to move on from David Njoku in a trade. If that does happen, the New England Patriots should look to trade for Njoku.
Cleveland Browns Trade David Njoku to the New England Patriots
With David Njoku nearing the end of his first contract that he signed with the Browns that was for four years, $54.75 million, if they can’t re-sign him, trading him and getting value in return would be wise.
The New England Patriots made it their mission to build around Drake Maye this offseason by signing Stefon Diggs, and drafting Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams. They have a good tight end in Austin Hooper, but not one that can fully add a game changing element to the offense.
With the goal to add around Maye, the Patriots can complete this by trading for David Njoku. With Njoku’s size at 6’4, 246 pounds, and his athleticism, he can add a separation factor and provide to the offense as a downfield threat. Over his career so far he has totaled 3,928 yards and 30 touchdowns. He would be a reliable target for Maye, and open up the Patriots’ offense further going forward as another go-to receiving option to solidify the room.
