CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – For just the second time since 1999 the Browns are using the franchise tag.
The team tagged David Njoku Monday, keeping the tight end from hitting free agency in nine days while buying time to work out a long-term contract.
Njoku, who was selected 29th overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, will be paid $10.931 million under the tag according to figures announced by the NFL for franchise and transition tags for the 2022 season.
The Browns used the non-exclusive tag, which is more commonly used over the exclusive tag, meaning Cleveland could match any contract offer he would get or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if they choose not to.
The University of Miami product appeared in 16 games last season where he caught 36 passes for 475 yards and a team-high four touchdowns.
In five seasons with the Browns, Njoku has totaled 148 catches for 1,754 yards and 15 touchdowns in 65 games.
“These are exciting times,” Njoku said on January 10 following a disappointing 8-9 finish. “It is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that was put into these last few years. I owe it all to God. We just have to keep working. I am just going to go back to the drawing board, figure out what I have to perfect and what I have to do right or what I can do better and get back to work.”
Frustrated by the Browns adding Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant in free agency and the fourth round of the draft in 2020, Njoku requested a trade and then rescinded the request. Following this past season, Njoku expressed his desire to remain in Cleveland for years to come.
“I love it here. I love it here to the core,” Njoku said. “I honestly want to be here for the rest of my career, so my agent and the Browns are still in talks, we’re still negotiating, figuring out what we can do, and we’ll go from there.”
The deadline to use the franchise or transition tag designations is Tuesday. The Browns have until July 15 to sign Njoku to a long-term contract or have him play on the tag.
Kicker Phil Dawson was the only other player to receive the franchise tag from the team since 1999.
The Browns also tendered exclusive rights free agents Ja’Marcus Bradley, Michael Dunn and Blake Hance Monday.
Bradley has appeared in eight games since the Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He appeared in five games last season where he caught four passes for 64 yards.
Dunn started two games at right guard and appeared in 14 games in 2021 while Hance appeared in all 17 games in 2021, starting eight – six at right tackle, two at left tackle.
