Browns TE David Njoku wants contract extension after requesting trade

Back in March, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku had the $6.013 million attached to the fifth-year option of his rookie contract become fully guaranteed less than half a year after he allegedly wished to be traded by the organization that selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. 

Njoku was reportedly "in a good place with the franchise" as of May, and Josh Alper noted for Pro Football Talk that the 25-year-old told reporters Friday he's instructed his new agent to have conversations with the Browns about a contract extension. 

Njoku's biggest obstacle regarding such discussions is that he has little, if any, leverage to negotiate the terms of any such deal. He finished the 2020 regular season with only 19 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns, and he's again competing for touches with fellow tight ends Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant. Add in the fact that star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is set to return from the torn ACL he suffered last October, and Njoku may find himself surplus to requirements ahead of the upcoming trade deadline on Nov. 2. 

Truth be told, Njoku may be worth more to the Browns as a tradable asset this fall.