David Njoku bids Cleveland farewell as he heads toward free agency

Browns tight end David Njoku announced he will not return to Cleveland as he approaches free agency. Njoku expressed his gratitude to the city and the Browns organization in a statement on Instagram, signaling his intent to find a new team. His contract is set to void on March 12, causing a potential dead cap hit of $24 million for the Browns in 2026 unless managed with post-June 1 cuts. Drafted 29th overall in 2017, Njoku ranks second in the team's history among tight ends with 384 receptions and 34 touchdowns, trailing only Ozzie Newsome. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has risen as the team's leading tight end, recording 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Njoku's recent seasons were affected by injuries, missing 11 games over the past two years.