5 NFL players who should demand a trade following free agency

1. David Njoku

David Njoku had shown much promise in his first two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. In 2017, with DeShone Kizer at the helm for most of the year, Njoku caught 32 passes for 386 yards and led the team in receiving touchdowns. In 2018, his role increased with Baker Mayfield as the quarterback; he finished second on the team in catches, yards, and touchdowns.

Unfortunately, in 2019, Njoku did not see much commitment from his head coach Freddie Kitchens. After fracturing his wrist in Week 2 and missing most of the season, Njoku lost his starting job to Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones. He was a healthy scratch for the last several games and finished the season with five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.

It was assumed that Njoku would have ample opportunity to reclaim his starting role in 2020, especially since Harris was cut and signed with the Chicago Bears. Yet, the Browns had different plans. Cleveland signed Austin Hooper in free agency to a four-year, $44 million deal to be their starting tight end.

Hooper was a mainstay in the Falcons offense last season, catching 75 balls for 787 yards and six touchdowns. With Hooper in the fold, Njoku will be relegated to second-string at best and see less opportunity to make an impact on the stat sheet.

Njoku should demand a trade to a team where he can compete for the starting tight end job, as he is unlikely to supplant Hooper in Cleveland. If he goes to another franchise, Njoku can build upon the progress he made in 2018 and possibly resurrect his career.