After trading up to select tight end David Njoku on day one of the 2017 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns decided to cut ties with veteran Gary Barnidge.
Gary Barnidge released by Browns 1 day after they draft TE David Njoku
Cleveland drafted a lethal tight end but released another the next day.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns felt they needed to make an upgrade at the tight end position, so they decided to trade back into the first round to select Njoku with the No. 29 pick. He is one of the best prospects in this year’s draft class and a solid pass-catching tight end.
Releasing Barnidge doesn’t affect the Browns much because Njoku can come in and handle the pass-catching responsibilities Barnidge once held. The 31-year-old tight end was a Pro Bowler in 2015 when he caught 79 catches for 1,043 yards, but his production dipped last year.
Just last night, Barnidge welcomed to Njoku to the Browns:
However, less than a day later, Barnidge was released. He tweeted his thanks to Cleveland, but said he is ready to move on.
Barnidge can still be a productive player for whatever team signs him next. He racked up 55 receptions for 612 yards and two touchdowns in 2016 with the Browns rotating cast of quarterbacks. He’s also a good blocking tight end.
In eight seasons, Barnidge caught 178 passes for 2,258 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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