David Njoku rumors, landing spots: Colts, Chargers best fits if Browns opt to trade TE

The 2024 Cleveland Browns have been one major mistake by the lake. Dragged down by the albatross that is Deshaun Watson's contract, there is seemingly no way out for the "dawg pound."

Owners of a 2-7 record in what's become another lost season, Cleveland could be left putting some of their key pieces up for adoption. There's no indication of who, if anyone, could be on the move before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but some players stick out as potential pieces more than others.

Tight end David Njoku could be one of those players looking for a new home. If the Browns elect to move on from their longtime tight end, plenty of teams should come calling if he's made available.

Staring down a potential rebuild following Watson's Achilles tear, it's anyone's guess where the Browns go from here. More importantly, it's anyone's guess who the Browns will go with from here. Here's a look at the rumors swirling around David Njoku and where he could end up if Cleveland decides to trade the uber-athletic tight end.

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David Njoku trade rumors

While there isn't a definite answer on Njoku's potential availability, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio started the conversation during "Sunday Night Football" in Week 9.

"One name to keep an eye on – tight end David Njoku," Florio said. "He could be available for the right price."

Cleveland's 2-7 record has much to do with the rumors beginning to swirl. It's unclear if the team is actively looking to move anyone, but a lost season can have everyone on the outs. If the Browns opt for a rebuild, thanks to the Watson contract tying up so much cap space, no one could be entirely safe.

With Njoku about to enter the last season of a four-year, $54.7 million deal, it's possible that he won't be on the roster whenever the Browns are ready to contend again. That could allow the team's front office to explore a trade for draft compensation as they attempt to build a younger, cheaper roster while waiting for Watson's contract to expire following the 2026 season.

If Njoku does end up on the move, here are some teams that could come calling for the tight end's services:

Indianapolis Colts

The most logical spot for Njoku to land is with the Colts. Indianapolis dropped an important game against the Vikings in Week 9 but remains in striking distance for a playoff spot in a cluttered AFC. The familiarity with quarterback Joe Flacco is a key piece to this puzzle, as Njoku thrived with him in 2023. In three of their four starts together, Njoku recorded at least 90 yards and found the end zone four times. The Colts are targeting the tight end position just 13.6 percent of the time, and with no clear top option on the roster, Njoku makes sense as a major upgrade for Shane Steichen's team.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Colts have one of the league's lowest tight end target rates, but the Chargers have one of the highest. Justin Herbert throws the ball in a tight end's direction 25.6 percent of the time, but there is still room for improvement. Jim Harbaugh's philosophy has transformed what originally appeared to be a rebuilding Chargers team. In the hunt for a playoff spot, Herbert's pass-catching options can use an upgrade. While the top wide receivers have come off the board, Njoku can boost a room that already includes Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst.

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New England Patriots

Speaking of familiarity, Njoku could find that in New England as well. Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt now holds that position with the Patriots. He spent the 2020-2023 seasons in Cleveland, so Van Pelt has a pretty good idea of what he'd be getting in Njoku.

While the Patriots don't fit the contender mold you'd expect around the deadline, New England could follow the Bears' method from last season. Chicago acquired Montez Sweat at the 2023 trade deadline, helping them secure a key piece for the 2024 season. The Patriots are likely further from contending, but there's no reason to think Njoku wouldn't help Drake Maye's development. With question marks all over the receiving room, perhaps New England could find their next solid tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Njoku.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders are a wild card heading into the deadline. Way ahead of schedule at 7-2, Washington is in a spot where they can afford to go for luxury at the deadline. Already armed with the veteran Zach Ertz, the Commanders could bolster their pass-catching options with a move for Njoku. While they'd likely prefer a wide receiver, beggars can't be choosers. Njoku could take away some attention from Terry McLaurin and be the big-bodied threat that the team lacks.

David Njoku stats

Njoku is in the midst of his eighth NFL season, all of which have been in Cleveland. The 28-year-old broke out in 2023, eclipsing 100 targets for the first time. He became a focal point of the Browns offense and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Njoku finished the 2023 campaign with 81 catches on 123 targets, totaling 882 yards and six touchdowns - all career highs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David Njoku rumors, landing spots: Could Browns trade star TE?