Cleveland Browns: 5 post-draft free agents who can still fill holes

TE Luke Stocker

Fans of David Njoku will hate this signing, as this guy would only be signed to replace Njoku should a trade crop up for him. Considering GM Andre Berry’s recent comments about wiling to tweak the roster whenever he sees fit, you better believe he won’t hesitate to move on from Njoku if the right offer comes along. With the recent pick up of Njoku’s fifth-year option, whoever has the former first-round draft pick on their roster starting in September will have him for a guaranteed two seasons. That just so happens to be a great pitch when selling someone on trading for him.

While some vocal Browns fans will hate the idea of trading Njoku, the facts are the team made big moves at tight end in the offseason due to their perception of Njoku. You don’t sign a tight end to huge money and draft a vaunted prospect because you’re confident in Njoku. No matter how many times you scream “THEY’RE GOING TO PLAY WITH THREE TIGHT ENDS”.

They’re not. They’ll have one primarily (Austin Hooper), along with two wideouts, a running back, and a fullback a lot of the time. Yes, they’ll play with two tight ends a lot, but Andy Janovich wasn’t brought in because he’s going to help generate jersey sales with his pretty face. He’s here to play and play a lot.

This is not intended to say Njoku is on borrowed time, because who knows? What this is to say is that should the team have a deal lined up they think is fair for Njoku, primarily blocking tight end Luke Stocker would make an excellent third string, special teams player who can also play fullback if Janovich gets hurt.

Heck, if you want, sign him anyway and carry four tight ends through training camp. If he can push Njoku out of the lineup, great, if not then cut Stocker. You have 90 spots for camp, you’re going to use all of them.