In a stunning development in the NFL offseason, rumors are swirling about a potential blockbuster trade between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns. According to a recent report from Sporting News, the Cowboys are eyeing a major move to bolster their roster by acquiring a $54 million Pro Bowl playmaker from Cleveland, a player described as a “monster” on the field. This trade proposal has sparked intense speculation among fans and analysts alike, as Dallas looks to strengthen its lineup ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
The Trade Proposal
The trade idea, initially floated by former NFL quarterback turned analyst Kurt Benkert, centers around Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku. Benkert suggested that the Cowboys could strike a deal to bring the 2023 Pro Bowl tight end to Dallas, a move that would significantly enhance their offensive firepower. Njoku, who signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension with the Browns in 2022, has proven himself as one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends when healthy. In 2023, he recorded a career-high 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Despite injuries limiting him to 11 games in 2024, where he posted 64 receptions for 505 yards and five touchdowns, Njoku remains a highly coveted asset.
The proposed trade would see the Cowboys part with draft capital or potentially a player to acquire Njoku, though specific details of the trade package remain speculative. Adding Njoku to an offense already featuring stars like CeeDee Lamb and the recently acquired George Pickens could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a “monster” in the passing game, capable of stretching the field and dominating in the red zone.
Why Dallas Wants Njoku
The Cowboys have been active this offseason, already making waves by trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens to pair with Lamb, addressing their need for a reliable No. 2 wideout. However, the tight end position remains a potential area for improvement. While Jake Ferguson has emerged as a solid starter, adding a player of Njoku’s caliber could elevate Dallas’ offense to another level. Njoku’s ability to line up in multiple positions—whether in-line, in the slot, or even out wide—would give quarterback Dak Prescott a versatile weapon and provide offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer with more flexibility in play-calling.
Moreover, the Cowboys are looking to capitalize on their Super Bowl window with Prescott entering the final year of his contract in 2025. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones has hinted at pursuing “substantive trades” to bolster the roster, and Njoku fits the bill as a high-impact player who could thrive in Dallas’ high-powered offense.
Cleveland’s Perspective
For the Browns, trading Njoku could be part of a broader strategy to address their crowded quarterback room and other roster needs. Cleveland currently has four quarterbacks—Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders—competing for the starting role, and trade rumors surrounding their signal-callers have been rampant. The team also signed veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson and drafted tight end Harold Fannin Jr., suggesting they may be open to reshaping their offensive personnel.
Njoku, entering his ninth season with Cleveland, has been a cornerstone of their offense, but his injury history and the team’s shift toward a new-look offense under coordinator Ken Dorsey could make him expendable. Trading him could net the Browns valuable draft picks or a player to address their glaring need at wide receiver, where they’ve struggled to find consistent production outside of Jerry Jeudy’s career year in 2024.
Challenges and Considerations
While the trade proposal is intriguing, it’s not without hurdles. Njoku’s $54 million contract carries a significant cap hit, and Dallas would need to navigate their salary cap situation to make the deal work. Additionally, the Cowboys have other roster needs, including at running back, which could take priority over adding another tight end. Some analysts argue that trading for a backup tight end like Noah Fant, as suggested in a separate proposal, would be less costly and potentially wiser than pursuing Njoku.
On the Browns’ side, moving Njoku could signal a shift toward relying on younger players like Fannin Jr. or a willingness to prioritize draft capital for future roster-building. However, losing a proven playmaker like Njoku could be a tough sell to fans, especially given Cleveland’s ongoing struggles to find offensive consistency.
What’s Next?
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Dallas and Cleveland to see if this trade rumor gains traction. The Cowboys have shown a willingness to make bold moves, as evidenced by their acquisition of Pickens, and Jones’ aggressive approach could lead to another splash before training camp. Meanwhile, the Browns’ front office, led by general manager Andrew Berry, will need to weigh the benefits of trading Njoku against the potential backlash of parting with a fan favorite.
For now, the idea of David Njoku donning the Cowboys’ star remains speculative, but the possibility of adding a $54 million “monster” to Dallas’ offense is enough to keep fans buzzing. Stay tuned for updates as the offseason unfolds and the trade deadline looms closer.