TE David Njoku wants to re-sign, spend career with Browns

Things can and often do change quickly in the NFL, and it appears that's the case regarding Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku. Njoku reportedly wanted a trade as far back as the fall of 2020 but remained with the organization, earned a guaranteed $6.013 million on the final year of his contract and allegedly told his agent in August to begin negotiations with the club's front office about a possible extension. 

No deal came before Sunday's regular-season-closing victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that improved the Browns to 8-9, and Njoku spoke with reporters Monday about his future. 

"I love it here. I love it here to the core," the 25-year-old explained, according to Ben Axelrod of WKYC. "I honestly want to be here for the rest of my career."

Per ESPN stats, Njoku led the Browns with four touchdown catches on the campaign and finished third on the team with 475 receiving yards on 36 grabs. 

Axelrod noted before the weekend that the Browns could save $9.5 million with a $3.75 million cap hit by parting ways with tight end Austin Hooper, who recorded just 38 receptions for 345 yards and three touchdowns, using a post-June 1 cut designation. Theoretically, Cleveland could then utilize such additional funds to lock Njoku down on a second pro contract as the organization attempts to bolster what became a disappointing passing attack.