That didn’t take too long. Mere hours after trading back into the first round for Miami (Fla.) tight end David Njoku, the Cleveland Browns have decided to part ways with veteran tight end Gary Barnidge.
This is a somewhat surprising move in that Barnidge has been the Browns’ most-consistent receiving weapon over the past two seasons, compiling 134 receptions for 1,655 yards and 11 touchdowns during that span. He’s also just one year removed from being a Pro Bowl performer.
Needless to say, Cleveland has a ton of confidence in the 6-foot-4, 246-pound Njoku to make an immediate impact as a rookie in 2017. Even then, why would a team that lacks skill-position talent move on from one of its best pass catchers? That’s a question the Browns will have to answer should Njoku struggle as a rookie.
More must-reads: