3 tight ends the Patriots should try and trade for this offseason

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 06: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field on October 6, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 06: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field on October 6, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns leaps over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed #38 and free safety Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chief during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns leaps over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed #38 and free safety Juan Thornhill #22 of the Kansas City Chief during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. David Njoku

Could the long-rumored Patriots target finally find a home in New England?

After initially requesting a trade before the start of the 2020 NFL season, with continued chatter up to the trade deadline, David Njoku finished his year with the Cleveland Browns, against all odds. That being said, the two sides seem destined to split with Austin Hooper taking over the full-time role for the Browns.

Njoku is a player with freak athleticism and shows glimpses of what he could do with a full-time role every game he plays. His ball skills, combined with his his after-the-catch ability, make him a threat every time a pass is thrown his way.

As a young player, Njoku still has some skills to work on to round out his game. His blocking skills and technique are by far the worst of his tools; this is why (as of right now) he can’t be counted on as an every down player. If he can become a competent blocker, though, Njoku would become a great asset in any offense.

David Njoku could be a great project for Bill Belichick, and perhaps a more regimented organization could get the best out of the young tight end.

At $6 million for one year, the cost could be more than worth it for the upside he could bring to the Patriots offense.