Veteran TE David Njoku confirms his Browns tenure is over

David Njoku, an impending free agent tight end who has spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Browns, will not be returning to Cleveland in 2026.

In an Instagram post Monday evening, Njoku expressed, “the time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The City of Cleveland will forever be home.”

At 29 years old, Njoku was rumored to be traded before the deadline but stayed with the Browns for the remainder of the 2025 season. He confidently told reporters in November, “I’m not going nowhere. I ain’t f—ing leaving.”

As the season concluded, Njoku recognized the uncertainty of his future when asked about his return. Browns general manager Andrew Berry indicated that Cleveland’s offense would undergo “significant turnover” as the team, under new coach Todd Monken, aims to revamp a unit that has scored the least points in the league over the last two seasons.

Njoku is among the most accomplished pass catchers in Browns history, ranking second in team history among tight ends with 34 touchdown receptions and 384 receptions, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.

Nevertheless, Njoku has missed 11 games due to injuries in the last two seasons. His production declined in 2025, as he finished with 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns. Njoku’s average of 8.9 yards per reception was the lowest for him since he played only four games in 2017 due to injury.

Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. became the Browns’ leading target, amassing a team-high 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns.

The Browns selected Njoku with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 after achieving career-best numbers of 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns.