If David Njoku returns on a Franchise Tag, then the Browns need cut costs elsewhere

The Browns may need to move on from Austin Hooper if David Njoku returns.

The Cleveland Browns have taken the steps needed to bring back David Njoku by franchise tagging the tight end. Njoku is a free agent and before getting tagged by the Browns, could’ve signed with anyone this offseason. That may still happen, and his return to Cleveland is certainly not a foregone conclusion but the Browns tagging him and his own desire to stay in Cleveland have made it very likely that the tight end returns in 2022.

More than likely on an extended deal.

While Njoku has never really shown the stats to prove that he’s worth $10+ a year, his highlight reel in fact does. He’s incredibly talented and a matchup nightmare against linebackers and safeties. The problem is that Njoku is often the only target anyone respects on the Browns, prompting many double-teams that take him out of plays.

The Browns are re-working their offense for 2022, with the hope of getting faster and more athletic across the board, a move that’ll help Njoku excel, forcing defenses to double-up on other players on the offense.

Yet, at the reported $11 million that Njoku is tagged for, and the need to make major moves in free agency, the Browns may have to consider moving on from Austin Hooper.

The Cleveland Browns can’t afford David Njoku and Austin Hooper

While a deal for Njoku may still be forth-coming, it seems unlikely it’s going to give much in the way of a discount towards the Browns. Why should it, Njoku has $11 million reasons to turn down any deal that isn’t on par with the franchise tag.

Paying $20+ million for two tight ends in a system that routinely rolls out three of them at any given time really isn’t prudent financially. You’re splitting reps three ways but dedicating nearly 10% of the cap space to just two players, who are only getting 33% of the opportunities at their position.

I was on board keeping both if the deal for Njoku didn’t break the $8-$9 million range, but now that it’s hit at least $11 million, the Browns have to make a decision; stick with two heavily paid tight ends or let one go and re-work the receivers.

It doesn’t seem likely they can do both, and still address the needs of the Browns’ defensive line and linebackers.