Factory Of Sadness
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6 Browns’ players who will likely be cap casualties in 2023

By Chad Porto

BEREA, OH - JULY 29: Offensive tackle James Hudson III #66 of the Cleveland Browns blocks defensive end Myles Garrett #95 during the second day of Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 29, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 29: Offensive tackle James Hudson III #66 of the Cleveland Browns blocks defensive end Myles Garrett #95 during the second day of Cleveland Browns Training Camp on July 29, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 28: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 28: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

David Njoku

The Browns just brought back David Njoku for what will be his sixth season with the franchise. He survived being injured, in a coach’s dog house, inconsistent play on the field, and a trade demand. Yet, he remains. So why would next year be the most obvious time to move on from him?

Simple, he’s making $10 million this year, and will likely only want a pay raise, and as previously mentioned, the Browns will be $7 million over the cap next year, and that’s if the team refuses to re-sign any players on expiring deals or new free agents.

The odds that the Browns can keep Njoku next year aren’t great, and that’s even if the Browns want to keep him. After all, Njoku has been pretty inconsistent in his career with the Browns. He’s only caught more than 500 yards once in his career, and last we checked, the Browns still intend on running three tight ends in 2022.

Three tight ends, that means only one-third of the opportunities for guys. Njoku isn’t worth $10 million as a part-time player, and the fact that the Browns gave him that much in 2022 was shocking.

If he has a big year, the Browns may prioritize re-signing him but that just means someone else has to go, further complicating the cycle.

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