It is prediction time in the NFL world.
There are rational ones and crazy ones hitting the air waves between now and September 9’s kickoff.
Bleacher Report’s prediction pertaining to the Cleveland Browns falls into the category of crazy.
This one borders on one that you could expect to hear on April Fool’s Day or maybe way back in 2020.
The Proposed Trade
Bleacher Report proposes that the Browns will trade tight end David Njoku to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fifth-round draft pick.
Bold trade predictions before the 2021 season.
Favorite one?
(via B/R's Kris Knox) pic.twitter.com/MOAN6p54sV
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 3, 2021
Do you see the craziness?
Where should we begin?
To begin with, in 2020, Njoku (and his former agent) begged for a trade.
The Browns never flinched; Njoku was not on the trading block when he was very disgruntled.
One year later, Njoku is saying he wants to negotiate a long-term deal to stay with the Browns.
#Browns TE David Njoku said today he wants to stay in Cleveland and is instructing his agent to start working on a new deal. Njoku is entering the final year of his rookie contract and recently returned to @malkikawa of @FirstRoundMgmt for representation.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 20, 2021
He is happy in Cleveland.
#Browns David Njoku said he’s in a positive mindset this year and is excited about this season. @FredGreetham9 pic.twitter.com/AFdeSpg6ao
— Orange and Brown Rpt (@TheOBR) August 20, 2021
It is not just lip service; it shows.
He participated in “Camp Mayfield” this summer in Austin with a lot of his offensive teammates.
Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, David Njoku among #Browns players in Austin, Texas, this week for workouts hosted by Baker Mayfield. https://t.co/pD5dT8Ra4w
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) June 9, 2021
There were workouts, throwing sessions, team building, and boat rides.
In addition, IF the Browns were to trade Njoku, you can bet they would be looking for more than a fifth-round pick in return.
Njoku is entering his fifth year in the NFL (and with the Browns).
He is a former first-round pick who played for 3 1/4 seasons (he was injured in 2019 and missed significant playing time).
Njoku has 1,279 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
It is almost insulting that a fifth-round pick would be considered an equitable trade.
Njoku In 2021
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said tight end David Njoku played well, especially late in the season as he became healthy, provided us great value
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) January 18, 2021
David Njoku is poised to have a breakout season in 2021.
We know Coach Stefanski likes multiple tight end schemes.
In the second year of Stefanski’s offense, we expect to see much more of Njoku making big plays for the Browns.
Baker throws a dart to David Njoku for the TD. #Browns take the lead 24-20.
— Everything Cleveland (@everythingcle_) October 25, 2020
Case closed, this crazy prediction is now put to rest.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Set To Join Elite Company In 2021
The Browns Rock
It’s Bleacher Report. ‘Nuff said.