5 free agents the Carolina Panthers should aggressively pursue in 2022
By Dean Jones
David Njoku – TE
- 2021 team: Cleveland Browns
- 2021 cap hit: $2.38 million
Although the Cleveland Browns have around $39.6 million in salary-cap space this spring, a parting of the ways could be coming between the organization and David Njoku. The tight end was the subject of trade rumors during the draft and before the deadline, which didn’t amount to anything concrete but could mean the player leaves for nothing in 2022.
Njoku is an athletically gifted player who can make things happen in the passing game if given the opportunity. Cleveland’s run-first offense has resulted in just 47 targets for the former first-round pick this season, but he’s stayed relatively healthy which won’t go unnoticed by teams looking to strengthen their tight end options in free agency.
The Carolina Panthers are expecting big things from Tommy Tremble moving forward. But with Ian Thomas unlikely to return another option is needed to alleviate some pressure from the Notre Dame product.
Someone like Njoku would do wonders for an offense that’s fallen flat on its face without Christian McCaffrey this season. It’s going to be a hard sell for the Panthers after what transpired following their 3-0 start, but the promise of increased targets and becoming a focal point would be hard for the player to turn down.
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Whether this is on Carolina’s radar or not is yet to be determined. But with 30 receptions for 436 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season, Njoku represents an upgrade without question.