Veteran tight end David Njoku announced Monday that his nine-season tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended, confirming he will enter free agency for the first time in his career as he seeks a fresh start elsewhere in the NFL.
Njoku, 29, took to Instagram to share his departure, writing: “Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole Browns organization for everything. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart.”
Nine Years of Service
Selected 29th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft from the University of Miami, Njoku departs as the second-leading tight end in franchise history. Over 118 games played, he recorded 384 receptions for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in those categories.
His career peaked in 2023, when Njoku earned his only Pro Bowl selection with 81 catches, 882 yards and six touchdowns, despite the Browns cycling through five different starting quarterbacks that season. The tight end signed a four-year, $56.75 million extension with Cleveland in spring 2022 following that breakthrough campaign.
Recent Decline and Changing Landscape
Njoku’s production declined significantly in recent seasons. In 2025, he recorded just 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns while missing games due to injury. The emergence of rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who posted 72 receptions and 731 yards, further reduced Njoku’s role in the Browns’ offensive scheme.
His contract will void on March 12, creating a $24 million dead cap charge for Cleveland unless the organization uses post-June 1st designations to spread the cap hit across multiple years.
Potential Landing Spots
As Njoku enters the free agent market, several teams have emerged as potential destinations. The Miami Dolphins, where Njoku played college football, represent an intriguing fit with newly hired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. The San Francisco 49ers could pursue the veteran after losing George Kittle to an Achilles injury in the playoffs. The Carolina Panthers also represent a viable option for a team seeking tight end help.
Njoku joins a deep free agent class at the tight end position that includes Kyle Pitts, with several teams expected to vie for his services during the 2026 offseason.
