Browns place franchise tag on TE David Njoku

If reports and also individuals working for the Cleveland Browns are to be believed, the AFC North side will have quarterback Baker Mayfield begin the 2022 NFL season playing on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract. They'll also feature a new-look wide receiver room if Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and tight end Austin Hooper all leave the club this month as widely expected. 

It seems Mayfield will have at least one familiar face serving as a target later this year. 

As Michael Baca noted for the NFL's website, the Browns announced on Monday they've placed the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku. Per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, the first-round pick from the 2017 NFL Draft could make over $10.9 million guaranteed for next season if he and the Browns don't come to terms on a longer agreement before the deadline to sign franchise-tagged players arrives on July 15. 

Less than two years ago, Njoku reportedly wanted Cleveland to give him a fresh start elsewhere before the 2020 trade deadline. But the 25-year-old told reporters one day after this past campaign ended that he now wishes to finish his career with the Browns. According to ESPN stats, Njoku finished the 2021 season with a team-best four touchdown catches and had a total of 36 receptions for 475 yards. 

Some had wondered if the Browns would allow Njoku to explore free agency when the new league year opens on March 16, but that won't be the case.