Browns GM Andrew Berry praises David Njoku after extension

Many within the NFL community were surprised to learn shortly before the start of Memorial Day weekend that the Cleveland Browns would be signing tight end and 2017 first-round draft pick David Njoku to a four-year contract extension that could be worth up to $56.75 million and that reportedly includes $28 million guaranteed. 

Njoku finished this past season with 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns while mostly catching passes thrown by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield, of course, has since been replaced by star signal-caller Deshaun Watson atop the Cleveland depth chart, and general manager Andrew Berry left no doubt in a Wednesday team statement that he believes Njoku will thrive playing alongside Watson. 

"We are pleased to secure David Njoku's presence in Cleveland with this extension," Berry said. "David's multi-faceted skillset in both the run and pass game is a key component of our offensive system. His ability to generate explosive plays with his athleticism, speed, and run-after-catch ability along with his productivity as a blocker on the line of scrimmage is a difficult combination to find in a single player. We've seen David grow throughout his time here and are excited to see his best football over the next several seasons." 

Berry's words aside, there remain no guarantees Njoku and Watson will both be in the lineup for Week 1 in September. As of Wednesday afternoon, Watson is now facing 23 active civil lawsuits regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio noted that a 24th lawsuit is likely coming sooner than later. 

The NFL could suspend Watson for at least some portion of the 2022 campaign if the league determines he violated its code of conduct policy. Such a punishment may be announced this month or in July. 

Cleveland placed the franchise tag on Njoku back in March.