The Browns may have slapped David Njoku with the franchise tag, but the organization intends to keep their other pricey tight end. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), the organization’s plan is to keep Austin Hooper.
[RELATED: Browns Place Franchise Tag On David Njoku]
It’s been almost two years since Hooper inked a then record-breaking deal for tight ends, keeping him on the books in Cleveland until 2024. The Browns wouldn’t see a whole lot of savings by cutting Hooper, so it makes sense that they’ll keep him around as another target in the Baker Mayfield-led offense.
Hooper earned two-straight Pro Bowls during his final two seasons with the Falcons, and he had a career season just before hitting free agency. However, he’s disappointed a bit since catching on with Cleveland. In 29 games (29 starts) over the past two years, Hooper has hauled in only 84 receptions for 780 and seven touchdowns.
A first round pick in 2017, Njoku’s best season came one year later, when he posted 56 catches for 639 yards and four majors. The franchise tag means Njoku will make $10.8MM next season, making the two Browns teammates one of the highest-paid tight end duos in the NFL.
The Browns D seems to be above average, surely good enough to get deep in the playoffs.
However, their O is a bit confusing to me. They have a terrific rushing game with 2 quality TE’s along with a decent O line (that could be improved). But they seem to lack multiple WR deep threats. Add in a QB that has proven to be inconsistent (granted, at times very good) lacking an accurate, deep arm. It appears the Browns have constructed a O roster that might have been effective before the rule changes were made to favor the passing game.
Theoretically the team is constructed to play more of a ball-control / time-of-possession game in which they keep the ball away from the opposition. They don’t have the capability to have 2 explosive O drives the last 4-5 minutes of a game, which the teams that do go deep into the playoffs have.
It’s like teams that was built to win previous to 2000.
Agreed. The Browns seem totally unable to build an offense that can compete in the modern NFL. Smart move by Baker not signing an extension. If I were him, I’d get out of there as soon as possible and try to resurrect my career elsewhere. He’s a team first, talented guy who has to be sick and tired of the never ending Browns drama.
You can’t sign something that doesn’t exist because it hasn’t been offered.
Browns can win with the team they’re building. It’s not “bigly” different than Tennessee. Run game first focus and average passing attack. Injuries/drama just destroyed them last year. 2020 they made and won a playoff game and had kc on the ropes.
Need to improve the WR room in a big way. Draft one first round and also go sign or trade for a WR1 like metcalf or Lockett.
Exactly. The Titans offense works because Tannehill can throw the ball when needed but the Browns rely on their run game to the point where when they need Baker he cant provide
You’re going off last year. 2020, he finished 10th in QBR and won a playoff game. He’s not a top 10 QB in the league but when healthy, I’d say he’s top 15 especially if he gets more weapons.