The Browns have showed a strong willingness to make trades under new GM John Dorsey, most recently sending guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants in exchange for defensive end Olivier Vernon. He isn’t done yet, as the team is shopping tight end Darren Fells in trade talks, a source told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com (Twitter link).
Fells signed a three-year, $12MM deal with the Browns in March of last year, but they’re apparently looking to move on just one year into that pact. Fells has never offered much in the passing game, and is much more of a blocking tight end than anything else. He was an occasional redzone threat for the Browns last year, catching three touchdowns. He had just 11 receptions for 117 yards overall, although he did start 11 games.
With David Njoku the future at the position for Cleveland, the Browns don’t have too much of a need for an expensive blocking tight end. They can find a decent blocker on the open market for a cheaper price. Fells has only been in the league for five seasons, but he turns 33 in April. He never played college football, and made the leap to the NFL after playing professional basketball overseas for several seasons.
As for teams that might be interested, the Jets “have had internal discussions about trading for” Fells, sources told Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News (Twitter link). Mehta adds that New York “is in the market” for a blocking tight end. Fells did receive slightly above average marks from Pro Football Focus last year. If they can’t find a trade partner, it’s definitely possible the Browns could just release Fells outright.
If Njoku doesn’t get it going soon, he’ll soon be the past at the TE position in Cleveland. Seriously overrated, so far.
He’s still like 22…
Njoku is going to become Mayfield’s go to guy!
They will mature together…Talented kid!
Remember, Njoku was not drafted by Dorsey, who just this week called him out, saying he needs to do better.
With the way Dorsey does things, I honestly can’t say I’d be too shocked if he took Hockensen or Fant at 17. I still want another corner or interior D-lineman though.
I’m leaning toward a CB myself. Be nice to have the second coming of Minniefield and Dixon.
A deal similar to what they had with the Colts for Henry Anderson would be fine. Giving up more than that 7 or Neal Sterling whom he’d probably replace wouldn’t make sense.
Jets looking at dumb deals. Shocking.