AFC Notes: Browns, Colts, Titans

Browns

Dan Labbe of Cleveland.com notes that TE David Njoku received a vote of confidence from both GM Andrew Berry and HC Kevin Stefanski. This comes after Berry hinted that the team would likely pick up Njoku’s fifth-year option last week.

“We have big plans for him,” Stefanski said about Njoku. “But it’s about, for him, coming back in the building and working and then ultimately being able to see if we can utilize him in a role that can take advantage of some of his skillset,”

Berry added that they still believe in the kind of player Njoku can be, despite his disappointing 2019 season. 

“David didn’t quite have the year that he anticipated this past fall,” said Berry of Njoku’s season. “But we still view David as a talented pass catcher and a guy that we expect to take a step forward in this upcoming year.”

As for the Browns possible draft candidates, Labbe mentions Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, Dayton’s Adam Trautman, Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins, and Washington’s Albert Okwuegbunam.

Colts

Colts GM Chris Ballard had some interesting comments about Utah State QB Jordan Love.

“He’s very talented,” Ballard said of Love, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “Had a heck of a season in 2018 under (Coach Matt Wells) Wells, who is now at Texas Tech. Matt Ryan coming out of Boston College, what did he have, 19 (interceptions)? You got to break down each one of those interceptions and (ask) why did they happen? It’s not always on the quarterback. I’m not saying that’s the case in this situation, but we got to break all those down and see where we’re at.”

• Colts HC Frank Reich said of Oregon QB Justin Herbert: “Justin has certainly had a good career. His tape is exciting. He does a lot of good things.”

Titans

Titans HC Mike Vrabel was asked by Suzy Kolber on NFL Live about rumors that QB Tom Brady could play for Tennessee in 2020.

“I would say it’s just a unique situation, having played with Tom and having a relationship with Tom and his family,” Vrabel said. “[My son] Carter texted me [about social media rumors] and said, ‘Is Gisele at MBA [Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville]’ and I’m like, ‘No, Gisele is not at MBA.’ She wasn’t. I just think it’s unique that a head coach played with a quarterback that has an expiring contract that’s been in New England for 20 years.”

• Albert Breer of SI had previously mentioned that CB Malcolm Butler may be among possible cut candidates for the Titans this offseason. Turron Davenport of ESPN notes that Butler will cost Tennessee $13.3 million in 2020, and if the team cuts him they would take a $6 million cap hit.