Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Browns, TE David Njoku 'very close' to contract extension

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 5/25/22

It was reported in early April that the Cleveland Browns and tight end David Njoku were in " active talks" regarding a contract extension. As the NFL offseason enters late May, and voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) begin, Njoku is among those Cleveland players who have opted to skip the start of the program.

According to multiple reports on Wednesday morning, though, the 25-year-old is getting close to reaching a new deal with the only professional team he's known. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot was the first to provide an update on Wednesday.

David Njoku skipping #Browns OTAs while he awaits a new deal, source says; 2 sides are very close on ave. of more than $13M, but guarantees are the holdup. Could get done this week https://t.co/73TvLZOEhq
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 25, 2022

During his fifth NFL season in 2021, Njoku led the Browns in touchdown receptions (four), was third in receptions (36) and receiving yards (475) and was fourth in targets (53). The 2017 29th overall draft pick's best season came in 2018 when he had career-highs in targets (88), receptions (56) and receiving yards (639) -- all of which were second-most on the team -- while matching his career-best mark in receiving touchdowns (four) as well.

The franchise placed the franchise tag on Njoku in early March. It was reported later that he could make over $10.9 million guaranteed for next season if he and the Browns didn't come to terms on a longer agreement before the deadline to sign franchise-tagged players arrives on July 15.

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