Veteran TE David Njoku confirms his Browns tenure is over

impending free agent tight end David Njokuwho played his first nine years in the NFL with BrownsWill not return to Cleveland in 2026.

“It’s time 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 home,” Njoku wrote in an Instagram post Monday night.

Njoku, 29, was the subject of trade rumors before the deadline, but remains in Cleveland for the remainder of the 2025 season. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going anywhere,” he told reporters in November.

However, as the season ended, when Njoku was asked if he expected to return, he admitted uncertainty about his future. Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Cleveland’s offense is set for “significant turnover” as the team, under new coach Todd Monken, looks to rebuild a unit that has scored the fewest points in the league the past two seasons.

Njoku is one of the most prolific pass catchers in Browns history, ranking second in team history in touchdown catches (34) and receptions (384) for a tight end, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.

However, Njoku has missed 11 games in the last two seasons due to injury. His production also decreased in 2025, finishing with 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns. Njoku’s 8.9 yards per reception were his lowest in a season since he was limited to four games in 2017 due to injury.

tight end Harold Fannin Jr.. He emerged as the Browns’ top target as a rookie, recording a team-high 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 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns, all career best marks.