Veteran tight end David Njoku, who spent nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns after being taken 29th overall in the 2017 draft, announced via Instagram Monday that he will not be returning to the team. In his message he thanked the city, the Haslams, GM Andrew Berry and his teammates for the memories and support, but said it’s “time to find a new home,” while noting his gratitude and that Cleveland will always be home to him.
Njoku previously signed a four-year, $56.75 million extension that ran through 2022. He struggled last season, recording just 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games — one of the least productive years of his career. The 29-year-old has topped 600 receiving yards in three seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after hauling in 81 passes for 882 yards and six scores. Over his Browns career he ranks third in receptions (384), 12th in receiving yards (4,062) and sixth in receiving touchdowns (34).
This offseason Njoku was listed as the No. 41 free agent by CBS Sports. Durability has been a concern — he missed at least five games in each of the last two seasons — but he remains a dependable target who can function as a reliable safety blanket for quarterbacks.
Fan Take: Njoku’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for both him and the Browns, and it will be interesting to see which teams prioritize his blend of athleticism and experience in free agency. For NFL fans, his move could reshape tight end room dynamics league-wide and underscore how injuries and inconsistency affect long-term roster decisions.
