CLEVELAND — In a major shakeup for the Cleveland Browns roster, veteran tight end David Njoku announced Monday, February 09, 2026, that he will not return to the team for the upcoming season. The 29-year-old playmaker, who has spent his entire nine-year professional career in Cleveland, shared the news via social media, signaling the end of an era for the franchise’s offense.
“Cleveland, first off, I love you,” Njoku posted on his Instagram account. “The time for me to find a new home has come.”
The announcement comes as Njoku enters free agency following a 2025 campaign hampered by a significant knee injury. The former first-round pick out of Miami (FL) originally suffered the injury during a Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The ailment forced him to miss the final stretch of the season, including a Week 18 divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A Look Back at Njoku’s Cleveland Tenure
Drafted 29th overall in 2017, the 6-foot-4, 246-pound tight end became a cornerstone of the Browns’ passing attack. Despite consistent turnover at the quarterback position, Njoku remained a reliable target. Between 2022 and 2024, he finished as a top-eight fantasy football tight end in points per game, showcasing his elite athleticism and “pylon-reach” scoring ability.
However, the 2025 season saw a shift in the Browns’ offensive depth chart. The emergence of rookie Harold Fannin led to a decrease in Njoku’s target share. Njoku finished his final year in Cleveland with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns across 12 games.
Top Landing Spots for the Veteran Tight End
As an impending free agent, Njoku is expected to be one of the most sought-after veterans on the market. NFL analysts have already identified several “no-brainer” landing spots for the explosive playmaker:
- Miami Dolphins: A return to South Florida where he played his college ball for the Hurricanes.
- San Francisco 49ers: A system known for maximizing tight end versatility under Kyle Shanahan.
- Carolina Panthers: A team in desperate need of veteran weapons for their young offensive core.
While injuries and efficiency concerns impacted his final season stats, Njoku’s physical profile and veteran experience make him a high-upside addition for any contender. For Cleveland, the move marks a definitive transition toward a younger roster as they look to rebuild their offensive identity in 2026.