The Browns may have slapped David Njoku with the franchise tag, but the organization intends to keep their other pricey tight end. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), the organization’s plan is to keep Austin Hooper.
[RELATED: Browns Place Franchise Tag On David Njoku]
It’s been almost two years since Hooper inked a then record-breaking deal for tight ends, keeping him on the books in Cleveland until 2024. The Browns wouldn’t see a whole lot of savings by cutting Hooper, so it makes sense that they’ll keep him around as another target in the Baker Mayfield-led offense.
Hooper earned two-straight Pro Bowls during his final two seasons with the Falcons, and he had a career season just before hitting free agency. However, he’s disappointed a bit since catching on with Cleveland. In 29 games (29 starts) over the past two years, Hooper has hauled in only 84 receptions for 780 and seven touchdowns.
A first round pick in 2017, Njoku’s best season came one year later, when he posted 56 catches for 639 yards and four majors. The franchise tag means Njoku will make $10.8M next season, making the two Browns teammates one of the highest-paid tight end duos in the NFL.
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