Buccaneers trade prediction reunites Baker Mayfield with Browns 30-TD TE

Shane Shoemaker

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Buccaneers trade prediction reunites Baker Mayfield with Browns 30-TD TE image

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a hot start this season at 3-0. Baker Mayfield is looking sharp leading the offense, and the defense under head coach Todd Bowles is strong as usual.

But like any of the 32 teams in the league, they could always be better.

It’s early, but the Buccaneers appear on track to win their fifth NFC South Division title. If they want to do more than that, they may need to add a piece or two before the trade deadline on November 10.

One option, according to USA Today’s Nate Davis, could be reuniting Mayfield with his former tight end in Cleveland, David Njoku.

“He’s 29, in the final year of his contract (base salary of $1.3 million) yet can still be an impact player in the right situation. But Njoku is losing opportunities to rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. with a team that could go full-on rebuild and/or reassess at any time,” Davis wrote.

“Njoku had one of his best seasons in 2018 with then-Browns rookie QB Baker Mayfield. Why not reunite them and bring an added element to a Tampa Bay offense that can’t seem to keep its pass catchers healthy?”

Njoku was a reliable target for Mayfield as a rookie in 2018, catching 56 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns at 11 yards per reception. His career-best season came in 2023, when he recorded 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns at 10.9 yards per reception.

David Njoku Could Essentially Replace Cade Otton

Mayfield developed a solid connection with current Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton last season, especially when injuries sidelined top receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

But in three games this year, Otton has essentially disappeared. He has just three receptions on seven targets for 25 yards and no touchdowns. In Week 4’s game against the New York Jets, he wasn’t even targeted.

There’s been no word if Otton is injured, but if he is, that could be even more reason for the Buccaneers to pursue a trade for Njoku.

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Shane Shoemaker

Shane Shoemaker began his career as an editorial writer for ClutchPoints, covering college football, the NFL and MLB. His love for sports took off at age 5, when his dad began taking him all over the country to watch the Atlanta Braves and later, the Miami Hurricanes football team — fueling his passion for experiencing new stadiums. Although a lifelong Tennessean, he remains unaffiliated with local teams, even after writing for Vols Wire. Shane holds a BA in Communications/Journalism from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and never misses a chance to mention the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series win.