Cleveland Browns use franchise tag on former Miami Hurricanes star

The Cleveland Browns have decided what to do with their franchise tag just before the start of the upcoming free agency period. The Browns have elected to tag tight end David Njoku with the franchise tag option this year. Njoku is Cleveland’s first round pick in the 2017 NFL draft courtesy of the Miami Hurricanes.

The former Hurricane does not have jaw dropping stats while playing for the Browns. But that has more to do with Cleveland’s smash-mouth style offense than it has to do with Njoku’s capabilities. With his six-foot-four 264-pound frame, he is easily a prime target for quarterback Baker Mayfield in the passing game. And with that size and strength, Njoku is a solid run blocking tight end when he’s on the field.

Along with tagging Njoku, the Browns will add exclusive tender rights on three players set to enter free agency. The three players are wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley, guard Michael Dunn, and offensive lineman Blake Hance.

Browns coach addresses Baker Mayfield’s future

Baker Mayfield isn’t going anywhere, according to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. For those who think Mayfield does what he wants with a happy-go-lucky attitude, Stefanski said he would push back a little that Mayfield isn’t challenged in the Browns locker room.

“Baker’s a confident player. He’s done it. We’ve all seen him do it, so I don’t think he lacks for confidence,” Stefanski said. “I think this is a great offseason for him to get healthy and then have an offseason together, get him in the building with the rest of the team and work together and try and get better. That’s kind of our focus.”

The play-action and rollout game made Mayfield successful in 2020, which led to the Browns winning their first playoff game since Jan. 1, 1995, to reach the AFC divisional round, but Cleveland’s offensive line had limited Mayfield’s ability to complete those types of plays in 2021. When asked how the Browns can counter that strategy, Stefanski said. “If teams are not going to let you get on the perimeter, there’s still ways to run play action and try and win from the pocket. If they’re not going to let you get on the perimeter, you’ve got to find ways to make them pay from the pocket.”

Mayfield was limited to 14 games this past season, throwing for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, but was sacked a career-high 43 times. His rating of 83.1 was the second-lowest of his career along with his 60.5 completion percentage. Heading into his fifth season in the NFL, Mayfield has stepped away from social media following the end of the Browns season. Stefanski said he hasn’t talked to his franchise quarterback about the situation.