This Patriots-Browns Trade for David Njoku Could Actually Work

The Cleveland Browns appear ready to move on from David Njoku at tight end if the proper deal presents itself, as they made Austin Hooper the highest paid player at his position in the league in free agency.

Rather than leave the former first-round pick in place as a backup, new head coach Kevin Stefanski could look to help rebuild the Browns by trading Njoku away for some draft picks.

The New England Patriots, in need of a tight end in the worst way possible, should try to swing a trade for the former Miami star.

Njoku made just five catches last year due to injury, which could prevent Cleveland from getting a worthwhile return in any sort of Njoku trade. However, Njoku did pick up 639 yards and four touchdowns during his last healthy season.

Given his injury history, and the fact Hayden Hurst went for a second-round pick this offseason, a third-round pick, of which New England has three this draft, should be a more than fair return for a player with Njoku's rare athleticism for the position.

The loss of future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski was going to change that offense in a major way, but no one could have expected it would cause that whole unit to go off the rails so dramatically. Adding Njoku would give whomever is under center in New England a reliable safety valve underneath.