One Buccaneers free agency target from each AFC North team

Buccaneers’ target from the Cleveland Browns: David Njoku – TE

Oh, the Browns. After a stellar season two years ago that saw them barely let a game slip through their fingers against the eventual AFC Champion in the Kansas City Chiefs, the Browns responded by posting a dud in 2021. However, one of the bright spots for the beleaguered franchise was the return of TE David Njoku. After missing almost the full season in 2018, and losing another 3 the next year, Njoku teamed up with Austin Hooper to lead a tight end room that was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise shoddy passing year in Cleveland.

Njoku now hits free agency after the expiration of his rookie contract and will hope to be compensated well to stay in Cleveland. However, with the aforementioned Hooper already crowding the tight end room, and plenty of work to do to make it back to the playoffs, the young and talented Njoku could very well be allowed to test the market. When that happens, the Buccaneers should try and give him a new home.

Rob Gronkowski may or may not be returning to Tampa Bay, but he also becomes a free agent this year and is likely only a very short distance from another retirement. With the obvious importance of two good tight ends to the Buccaneers’ offensive identity, adding a star in Njoku would make perfect sense. Even better, Njoku is a proven asset as a blocker, and one of the rare talents that can take over for Gronkowski without leaving too large a skill gap. It may cost a pretty penny to steal him away from Cleveland, but if Gronk leaves, Njoku could be a Tampa QB’s new best friend.