49ers, Chargers floated as landing spots for Pro Bowl pass-catcher

49ers, Chargers floated as landing spots for Pro Bowl pass-catcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

We are already in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, which means the trade deadline will be here before we know it. 

The NFL trade deadline may not be as hectic as the MLB or NBA deadlines, but there are usually a few notable deals. For example, last year, DeAndre Hopkins, Marshon Lattimore, and Tre'Davious White were all traded shortly before the deadline. 

This year, there are several players who are seemingly on the trade block. Teams like the , , and , among others, have talented players that they could be looking to cash in on in lost seasons. 

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified logical landing spots for some of the rumored trade pieces. David Njoku. for example. is a solid tight end and reliable pass-catcher, but the Browns could look to move him considering he is not under contract after this season. 

For Njoku, Knox listed the and as the likeliest destinations. As far as compensation, Knox believes a conditional fourth-round pick could get the deal done. 

Regarding a potential Njoku move, Knox offered the following: 

Harold Fannin Jr. has impressed and appears poised to take over as Cleveland's long-term starting tight end. Through five weeks, the rookie has caught 21 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Njoku has caught 20 for 195 and a score.

While there's value in having two pass-catching tight ends—especially for a team trying to support a young signal-caller—the Browns have to be thinking long-term.

Njoku is set to be a free agent in 2026, and Cleveland should be able to get, at worst, a middle-round pick for him.

As Knox mentioned, the Browns also have rookie Harold Fannin Jr. at the tight end spot, which makes it even more likely Njoku isn't re-signed. The Browns are also 1-4 and very unlikely to make a run, so why not see what they can get? 

The 49ers are an interesting fit for Njoku. The team has been without star tight end George Kittle as he is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Jake Tonges has been TE1 in his place, and has performed well, but Njoku would significantly raise the ceiling. 

The Chargers would also make sense for Njoku. Chargers tight ends have combined for just 15 catches and no touchdowns on the season, and Njoku already has 20 catches and one score alone.