Cleveland Browns: Former First Round Pick Announces Plans To Move On In Free Agency

After nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, veteran tight end David Njoku announced that he will not be returning to the Cleveland Browns in 2026. In a heartfelt message to the city and the organization, Njoku confirmed he is heading for free agency, instantly becoming one of the most sought-after tight ends on the market. While losing a player of his caliber is always tough, the blow is softened by the emergence of a new star in Cleveland.

The End of a Nine-Year Journey With The Cleveland Browns

In an Instagram post on Monday, Njoku shared his gratitude and confirmed his departure. “Cleveland, first off I love you,” he wrote. “These 9 years have been a beautiful journey… 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.”

David Njoku, a first-round draft pick in 2017, has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense for nearly a decade. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a constant mismatch for opposing defenses. Throughout his time in Cleveland, he navigated numerous coaching changes and quarterback rotations, yet he remained a consistent and reliable target.

He leaves the Browns as one of the most productive tight ends in franchise history. He ranks second in team history for receptions (384) and touchdown catches (34) for a tight end, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome. His best statistical season came in 2023, when he earned a Pro Bowl selection after setting career highs with 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns.

Njoku Enters a Hot Free Agent Market

At 29 years old, Njoku is entering the prime of his career. His announcement immediately shakes up the free-agent landscape. Top-tier, athletic tight ends who can be a threat in the passing game are a rare commodity in the NFL. Teams looking for a proven offensive weapon will undoubtedly be lining up to secure his services.

His 2025 season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 12 games and resulting in a dip in production. However, teams will likely look at his full body of work and his Pro Bowl campaign from just two seasons ago as a better indicator of his capabilities. When healthy, Njoku is a dynamic player who can stretch the field and create matchup nightmares for linebackers and safeties. His experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset for any offense, especially one in need of a reliable pass-catcher to support its quarterback.

Harold Fannin Jr. Makes the Transition Easier

While seeing a fan favorite depart is never easy, the Browns are in a surprisingly good position to handle the change. The primary reason for this is the phenomenal rookie season of tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Fannin burst onto the scene in 2025 and quickly became one of the team’s most dependable offensive weapons. He led the Browns with an impressive 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. His immediate impact and chemistry with the offense showed that he is more than capable of stepping into the starting role.

The emergence of Fannin Jr. gives the Browns’ front office valuable flexibility. Instead of being forced to pay a premium to retain Njoku or find a costly replacement in free agency, they can confidently move forward with their young star. This allows them to allocate financial resources to other areas of need as they look to rebuild an offense that has struggled in recent years. The transition from a beloved veteran to a promising young talent is a scenario that many teams hope for, and for the Browns, it has come at the perfect time.

A New Chapter for Njoku and the Browns

David Njoku’s tenure in Cleveland was marked by professionalism, spectacular plays, and a deep connection with the fan base. He will be remembered as one of the best to ever play the position for the Browns. As he prepares to find a new home, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

For the Browns, this marks a clear passing of the torch. With Harold Fannin Jr. ready to take the lead, the team is poised to begin a new chapter at the tight end position. It’s a bittersweet moment for Cleveland, but one that signals an exciting future for both the departing veteran and the franchise he called home for nine memorable years.