Browns' Njoku receives franchise tag

The Cleveland Browns placed the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku, the team announced Monday.

Njoku becomes the first player to officially receive the tag ahead of Tuesday's deadline. He's projected to receive just under $11 million on the tag, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The Browns and Njoku's agent have been involved in contract talks and are hopeful the tag will lead to an extension, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Cleveland invested heavily in the tight end position over the last few seasons. The club signed Austin Hooper to a four-year, $42-million deal during the 2020 offseason.

The Browns plan to keep Hooper - who is due to account for a $13.25-million cap hit this year, per Spotrac - despite working to retain Njoku, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Njoku put up 475 receiving yards last season, his most since 2018, while his 13.2 yards per catch were a career high. He added 36 receptions and four touchdowns.