After taking a week off from writing this all-important Browns blog because of surgery last Thursday, I’m back in the saddle. Let’s see how well I write on Hydrocodone and 800MG of Ibuprofen. For some strange reason I’m feeling nostalgic for high school or maybe it was junior high school, I don’t remember. I would also like to thank my lovely bride Karen, not only did she have to take care of me, but our dog hurt her leg, so she’s been a post-op nurse and a part-time vet. Enough about my weekend, let’s talk Browns.
In the breaking news, water is wet department, DE Jadeveon Clowney resigned with the Browns, TE David Njoku got an extension and QB Baker Mayfield didn’t show up for “voluntary” OTA’s. Clowney works at his own pace and was never associated with any other team, so him resigning with the Browns is a no brainer. He had one of his best and healthiest seasons in a while, you could tell he loved playing on the same defensive line with Myles Garrett and felt DC’s Joe Woods was the best scheme for him. And of course, the contract was perfect for the Browns, a one-year deal with four voidable years to spread out the $8 million signing bonus. His cap hit for 2022 is only $3.5 million, 1.59% of the total cap. Bargain.
The Njoku extension was a nice surprise. I’ve always been a big believer in David Njoku and now Browns fans will hopefully see he is worth the money. The deal is reported to be a four-year, $56.75 million contract extension with $28 million guaranteed. I’ll wait till I see the contract details before passing judgement on if it’s a good deal. I do know that Njoku has become a very good blocker, improved his pass catching (only two drop passes in 2021) and is a young (26) talented up-and-coming tight end. Some have suggested that QB Deshaun Watson will make Njoku a better player, however Watson has never relied on the tight end position heavily. The last year he played in Houston, former Browns tight end Darren Fells had a nice year, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. I’m eager to see how head coach Kevin Stefanski will use Njoku and Harrison Bryant in the red zone with Watson. Mismatch city.
As for Mayfield, there are reports this morning other teams are willing to trade for Mayfield if they only have to pay $5 to $6 million of his salary. The Browns are willing to pay half, $9 million. Let’s just split the difference and end this ever growing national nightmare. Even heavily drugged I still got my sarcasm. And speaking of heavily drugged, time to go get horizontal and enjoy these legal pharmaceuticals. Everyone stay safe, enjoy your three day weekend (and remember why you have a three day weekend) and Go Browns.