Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku is headed to free agency and preparing to continue his NFL career elsewhere.
Njoku, who has spent the past nine seasons in Cleveland, announced Monday on Instagram that his time with the Browns has come to an end.
“Cleveland, first off I love you,” Njoku wrote. “These nine years have been a beautiful journey. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared. Thank you to the Haslams, Andrew Berry and the entire Browns organization for everything. To all my teammates I battled with — I’m grateful for you. The time has come for me to find a new home, and all I feel is gratitude in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home. ❤️ #ChiefOut”
A first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft (No. 29 overall), Njoku appeared in 118 games with 88 starts for the Browns. During his tenure, he totaled 384 receptions for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s most athletic tight ends when healthy.
Njoku enjoyed his best season in 2023, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection. Despite Cleveland cycling through five starting quarterbacks that year, he set career highs with 81 catches, 882 yards and six touchdowns.
The Browns rewarded Njoku with a four-year, $56.75 million contract extension in 2022, but his production dipped after his Pro Bowl season. Over the past two years, injuries limited him to 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns this past season, and he missed a total of 11 games during that span.
Meanwhile, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as Cleveland’s top receiving option, leading the team with 72 catches, 731 yards and six touchdowns.
Looking ahead, Njoku enters a free-agent market that could be shaped by Kyle Pitts, who is expected to be the top tight end available if he does not re-sign with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta’s new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, previously coached Njoku in Cleveland.
Njoku’s relationship with Stefanski has had its ups and downs. Stefanski coached him during his breakout 2023 season, but also during his disappointing 2025 campaign.
“He and I have a very unique relationship,” Stefanski previously said. “He thinks I didn’t like him when I first got here, which is not true.”
Where Njoku ultimately signs will be determined once free agency opens, but one thing is clear: after nearly a decade in Cleveland, he’s ready for the next chapter.