Browns reportedly sign TE David Njoku to four-year, $56.75 million extension

Despite his lackluster production for the bulk of his NFL career, the Cleveland Browns elected to place the franchise tag on tight end and 2017 first-round draft pick David Njoku in March. Reports emerged earlier this week saying the two sides were "very close" to putting pen to paper on a deal, and specifics of that contract were released late in the afternoon of Memorial Day Friday, one of the biggest "news dump" days of each year. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Njoku has agreed to a four-year contract extension that could be worth up to $56.75 million to remain with the Browns. That deal includes $28 million guaranteed once it's signed. 

Like much of the Cleveland passing attack that featured Baker Mayfield at quarterback, Njoku failed to impress throughout the 2021 season and ended the year with 36 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. Clearly, the Browns expect the 25-year-old to thrive under new starting signal-caller Deshaun Watson assuming Watson isn't suspended for much of the upcoming campaign because of the 22 civil lawsuits he's facing regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. 

Watson's status for this fall remains up in the air and may not be known until July. 

Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap and others had some questions about the Browns' mindset heading into the holiday weekend: