The Cleveland Browns, now sitting at 2-6 after a tough road loss to the New England Patriots, are scrambling for answers. The offense could not catch up to the Patriots as they doubled down on the numbers with a 32-13 win. Yet the team’s latest roster move, according to insider Matt Fontana, raises concerns for an already struggling offense.

“Browns claimed a tight end off waivers and signed one to the practice squad. Someone is hurt, or the Njoku trade is close,” Fontana wrote on X.

The Browns claimed tight end Brendan Bates off waivers on Monday. Njoku, on the other hand, has been overshadowed by rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. this season. Harold secured 38 receptions for 352 yards in 8 games. He also scored an 18-yard TD receiving from Dillon Gabriel against the Patriots.  

Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel connected with veteran tight end David Njoku in the 4th quarter for an 11-yard touchdown against the Patriots. Njoku remains a key piece in Cleveland’s offense. He returned from a knee injury after the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 6, signalling he still carries value. Against the Patriots, he caught four of five targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. He notably played eight fewer snaps than Fannin, but the Browns cut his playtime.

This season, David Njoku has recorded 27 receptions for 260 yards and scored two touchdowns in 7 games. But, with Njoku in the final year of his 54.75 million contract and no extension announced, he would be among the top tight ends available. If Njoku is traded, it could leave Gabriel still finding his footing and lacking reliable targets in a difficult spot. Njoku has been vocal about staying at the Browns through the end of his career, and his agent has been in talks about an extension. 

“The Browns have no intentions of trading Njoku before the deadline, Nov. 4, even though his contract is up after the season. The Browns will probably extend Njoku before his contract is up in March, or let him test the market to help set his price,” Mary Kay Cabot wrote.

The rookie QB’s numbers are modest since his start in week 5, but he lacks the drive to produce. Against the Patriots, he completed 21 passes of 35 attempts for 156 yards. Although Cleveland has the rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., his presence doesn’t yet replace Njoku’s proven production. Having a veteran to lean on after releasing Joe Flacco could be beneficial for Gabriel and Fannin. 

“We were explosive in that first drive, and want to continue to create that. But sustaining, third downs are where we need to be better at, and it starts with me for sure,” Gabriel said. 

The rest of the season may hinge on how the team addresses this tight-end dynamic while trying to turn their slump around. But with the QB room still not completely used, Shedeur Sanders seems to be on his own as the Browns listed him as questionable.

Kevin Stefanski’s not focused on Shedeur Sanders

Kevin Stefanski has publicly shifted the focus away from Shedeur Sanders when pressed about his readiness to play him sooner. He affirmed that his attention remains on immediate team needs. “The focus is where we are right now, Mary Kay. That’s not my focus,” he told Mary Kay Cabot in a post-game conference.

Despite Sanders showing up in practice and advancing his preparation, he is receiving fewer reps than rookie Dillon Gabriel. Stefanski explained that Gabriel’s elevated practice workload stems from the decision to prioritise his development. Yet he has produced mixed results with only one win against the Miami Dolphins, although it is not completely his fault. 

The accommodation may reflect concerns about the team’s stagnant offense; the Cleveland Browns have struggled to score more than 20 points in most games. Myles Garrett is carrying the defense, and even he seemed unhappy with the Browns during week 8. 

“He came in on Saturday with his back injury. Put him through his warmup, and just didn’t feel like he was ready to play Sunday. He’s getting better,” according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Stefanski said about Shedeur.

By backing Gabriel and limiting Sanders’ exposure, Stefanski risks delaying the rookie’s adaptation to live-game speed. Team officials listed Shedeur as out before the game due to a back injury. Stalling the QB’s long-term progression has taken another turn due to the injury. With both backup quarterbacks out, Dillon is in a tough spot of not just producing but also protecting himself. 

Stefanski’s stance makes it clear that Sanders remains part of the future, but not part of the immediate solution. His measured approach reflects a belief in building while the Browns are still in the league.