Report: David Njoku remains ‘big part’ of Browns’ plans despite trade demand

The Cleveland Browns and David Njoku appear headed for a standoff over the tight end’s future with the team.

Njoku has requested a trade from Cleveland, but the Browns still view him as a big part of their offense and believe he can be successful despite the team’s signing of Austin Hooper at the same position, according to NFL reporter Josina Anderson.

My understanding is TE David Njoku remains a big part of the #Browns plans, going back to the winter & the transition in the organization. The belief is Njoku can have a great year still for this team. But I'm also told by a source that Njoku, "been wanted out." Bears monitoring.

— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 6, 2020

Njoku doesn’t seem to care how the Browns view him for 2020. He has made no secret of the fact that he wants out, and he would like to be dealt before training camp starts.

Njoku was limited to just four games last season due to injuries. The Browns have already picked up his fifth-year option, meaning he’s signed through 2021.