Trade No. 1
When looking at Njoku’s trade value, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration. First of all, the Browns do not have much leverage. Everybody now knows Njoku wants a trade, and Cleveland has two tight ends they are far more committed to in Hooper and Bryant.
The Baltimore Ravens traded Hayden Hurst this offseason in exchange for a second-round pick. As a former first rounder, Hurst’s trade return seems just about right. Although, one could argue Atlanta may have overpaid just a tad.
Rob Gronkowski, meanwhile, was sent to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a fourth rounder — and that’s even after sitting out an entire season. I would imagine Njoku’s value is probably near that of Gronkowski’s, and maybe just a little bit higher.
If the Bears were to offer Cleveland a fourth-round pick, along with a sixth-round pick, I think it would be reasonable to ask for a seventh rounder in exchange. Pace has a history of getting picks back in return, simply so that the Bears have enough overall capital to work with in future drafts.
I’m not positive Cleveland would prefer a deal like this, but at this stage, everyone knows Njoku wants out. Again, there is hardly any power from the Browns’ standpoint.