David Njoku Bids Farewell to Cleveland
Tight end David Njoku, who has played his first nine years in the NFL with the Browns, will not return to Cleveland in 2026. Njoku announced via an Instagram post that “the time has come for me to find a new home and I can only think of the gratitude in my heart. The city of Cleveland will always be my home.” Njoku, 29, was the subject of trade rumors before the deadline, but remained in Cleveland for the rest of the 2025 season. In November, he told reporters that “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving.”Upon the season’s conclusion, Njoku acknowledged uncertainty about his future when asked if he expected to return. Browns general manager Andrew Berry indicated that Cleveland’s offense is set for a “significant overhaul” as the team, under new coach Todd Monken, seeks to rebuild a unit that has scored the fewest points in the league over the past two seasons.
Njoku is one of the most prolific receivers in Browns history, ranking second in team history in touchdown receptions (34) and receptions (384) for a tight end, behind only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome. However, Njoku has missed 11 games due to injuries in the last two seasons. His production also decreased in 2025, finishing with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns. His 8.9 yards per reception were the lowest in a season since he was limited to four games in 2017 due to an injury. Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the Browns’ primary target as a rookie, recording a team-record 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns. The Browns selected Njoku with the 29th pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He was named to a Pro Bowl in 2023 after recording 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns, all career highs.
