Browns Trade Idea: Should trade for John Rossbut not include David Njoku

The Cincinnati Bengals former Top-10 pick, John Ross, has requested a trade and the Browns should consider it but not for David Njoku.

To be clear, the Cleveland Browns need to trade David Njoku. In the midst of his second trade request, Njoku has shown that he’s not happy with his situation in Cleveland. He requested a trade after the Browns went out and got Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant, but was talked into rescinding the offer. According to Mary Kay Cabot Njoku wants out again (something he never disputed). Not surprising after playing fewer snaps than Bryant (six fewer across offense and special teams) in the loss against Pittsburgh. Trading him makes sense for the right offer. On the flip side, trading for disgruntled Bengals wide receiver John Ross makes sense too.

They just don’t make sense being traded for one another. The original idea to trade them from one another came from NFL reporter Mike Clay.

Njoku has more perceived value than Ross. Ross has missed time due to injuries, and his mental game has been called into question. He seems like someone who’s easily rattled. The Bengals have already declined his fifth-year option, a sign that Ross will be leaving the Bengals one way or another at the end of the season. The Bengals will take whatever they can get for him because either way, h’s already gone. The paperwork just hasn’t been filed yet.

Njoku on the other hand had his fifth-year option picked up. His GM has made it clear that the Browns “want to keep him”. Meaning his inherent value is much higher, and a GM will have to offer more to “convince” GM Andrew Berry to part ways with him. When all the trolls kept asking “why would they pick up his option if they were going to trade him”, this is why. Now Njoku has more value in a trade because you’re getting him for this year and next; while Ross may be gone after the end of the 2020 season depending on where he goes, so you’ll be lucky to get what you can for him.

So trading Ross for Njoku is really an illadvised move, considering how much more stock Njoku has. Plus, Njoku’s struggles are about getting and staying on the field. Not necesarily about what he does once he’s there.

The Browns could use Ross, however. They really don’t have a third receiver option, KharDarel Hodge and Rashard Higgins aren’t so good that they’ve made that spot theres and neither have Ross’ 4.22 combine speed either. So he’d be an improvement if he’s able to get past his mental issues and stay healthy.

A sixth or seventh round pick would be all you need to get Ross and considering what he could bring to Cleveland, that’s a low price for high potential.