Cleveland Browns and TE David Njoku agree to 4-year, $56.75M deal extension

The Cleveland Browns and tight end David Njoku have agreed to terms on a new four-year, $56.75 million contract, with $28 million guaranteed, according to Njoku’s agent.

On social media, Njoku’s agent, Malki Kawa, confirmed the contract, while Njoku praised the Browns organisation in a post to Instagram.

Njoku was given the franchise tag by the Browns earlier this offseason, and he has until July 15 to sign a long-term deal. According to a memo, Njoku would have played the 2022 season on the franchise tender, which is worth $10.931 million, if they hadn’t reached an agreement.

In five seasons with the Browns, Njoku has 148 receptions, including 36 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns last season. His new contract will put him among the top five highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.

His greatest season came in 2018, when he had a career-high 56 catches for 639 yards as a rookie for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Njoku’s targets have declined over the past three seasons after being targeted 88 times that year.

The Browns, on the other hand, are betting that Njoku will succeed under rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The Browns are now the only team in the NFL with a quarterback (Watson), a running back (Nick Chubb), a wide receiver (Amari Cooper), and a tight end (Njoku) who all have guaranteed money in the top seven.

Njoku achieved career highs in yards per target and yards after catch per reception last season, according to Information, demonstrating the physical abilities that helped him earn the 29th overall choice in the 2017 draught.

Njoku tied for top in the league in yards per target (9.0 yards) and tied for fourth in yards after the catch per target (9.0 yards) (6.7 yards).