Two teams have emerged as a contender for tight end David Njoku.
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Chicago Bears are “monitoring” the situation.
My understanding is TE David Njoku remains a big part of the #Browns plans, going back to the winter & the transition in the organization. The belief is Njoku can have a great year still for this team. But I’m also told by a source that Njoku, “been wanted out.” Bears monitoring.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 6, 2020
Among other sources, the New England Patriots appear to also be in the mix.
Why The Bears
The Bears have one of the weakest depth charts at the tight end across the league.
The team has done away with a former second-round pick, Adam Shaheen, while Trey Burton was a bust in his second season with the team.
In the offseason, the Bears signed former Green Bay Packer, Jimmy Graham, and drafted Cole Kmet in the second round of the draft.
However, Graham is not here for the long haul, and Kmet will need time to get his feet wet.
That’s where Njoku comes into play.
1/2 Browns’ TE David Njoku and his agent Drew Rosenhaus asked today for the team to trade him. The Browns told Njoku they would like to keep him, but Rosenhaus told them he’s intent on a trade. They want a trade before training camp.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 3, 2020
Patriots Lead The Odds
According to posts on social media, the Patriots are rumored to be a landing spot for Njoku as well.
On the depth chart, Matt Lacosse is at the top after finishing 2019 with 13 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown.
If the Patriots could swing this deal, it would be another addition to a team that appears to be reloading.
He’d be a good option for the Patriots. A Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, and David Njoku tight end group is miles ahead of what they had last year. https://t.co/cqQF5J3piI
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) July 3, 2020
The Patriots waited for quarterback Cam Newton to fall into their lap.
If the Patriots can swing this deal, the offense would feature Newton (QB), Sony Michel (RB), James White (RB/WR), Julian Edelman (WR), N’Keal Harry (WR), and Njoku (TE).
That’s not too shabby on paper, especially after losing Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccanneers.
The Odds
According to Sportsline, the Patriots lead the way as the top destination for Njoku.
Even though one analyst has confirmed the Bears are watching, the franchise has the sixth-best odds.
Take a look.
If David Njoku is traded by the Browns, which team will he be playing for Week 1 of the 2020 season?
Patriots +300
Redskins +400
Packers +400
Jaguars +500
Panthers +550
Cardinals +600
Bears +800
Texans +900
Cowboys +1000https://t.co/yXnqzsyoO7 pic.twitter.com/3KBUJimOBD— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) July 6, 2020
Final Thoughts
Even though Njoku requested a trade, nothing is confirmed unless the Browns receive some form of value.
Ideally, the Browns would likely want to run Austin Hooper and Njoku on the field at the same time, given how head coach Kevin Stefanski is known for wanting to run multiple tight ends.
In the past, Stefanski said he had big plans for Njoku.
Only time will tell.
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