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Former Miami Hurricanes TE David Njoku is moving on from the Cleveland Browns

David Njoku's run is ending in Cleveland.
ByPatrick Previty|
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Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

David Njoku, a former Miami Hurricanes tight end, announced on Instagram that he will not return to the Cleveland Browns and plans to enter free agency, closing the book on a nine-season stretch with the franchise.

Njoku has been a steady Canes presence on Sundays since the Browns drafted him in the first round in 2017. Cleveland selected Njoku with the No. 29 overall pick out of Miami.

Njoku will hit free agency after nine years with Browns

Njoku ranks second among Browns tight ends in career receptions (384) and touchdown catches (34), trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome in both categories.

His peak came in 2023, when he posted career highs in catches (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six) and earned his lone Pro Bowl selection.

The last two seasons were tougher. Njoku missed a combined 11 games in 2024 and 2025 due to injuries, and his 2025 numbers dipped to 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns as Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the Browns' primary tight end target.

The Browns are entering 2026 with new head coach Todd Monken and an offense the organization plans to revamp, with uncertainty at quarterback.

At Miami, Njoku had a dominant 2016 season, when he caught 43 passes for 698 yards and eight touchdowns and earned All-ACC honorable mention.

Njoku is still only 29, but tight end is a position where teams might not invest a ton in a player with an injury history (that might just be the case for any position in the NFL).

Teams that might be interested in Njoku

  • Atlanta Falcons: If Kyle Pitts hits the market, Atlanta would need a top-end pass-catching tight end. Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski also coached Njoku in Cleveland.
  • Washington Commanders: Zach Ertz tore his ACL late in 2025 and Washington lacks a true receiving tight end behind him.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cade Otton could enter free agency and Tampa could pivot.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: If Dallas Goedert walks then the Eagles could be looking for an answer. 
  • Kansas City Chiefs: If Travis Kelce retires, Njoku becomes a potential target.
  • Other teams include the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers.

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