The Denver Broncos may be gearing up for another swing at the tight end market, and this year’s free agency class gives them plenty to work with. After making a splash in 2025 by signing Evan Engram, the Broncos could once again look to "buy" talent-especially with David Njoku now officially on the move.
Njoku took to Instagram on Monday to confirm he won’t be returning to the Cleveland Browns in 2026. That announcement closes the book on a nine-year run in Cleveland that saw flashes of brilliance, stretches of frustration, and plenty of what-ifs.
His final Browns stat line tells part of the story: 384 catches, 4,062 yards, and 34 touchdowns-good for just over 10.6 yards per reception. But the numbers don’t quite capture the full picture.
Injuries were a recurring hurdle, including a knee issue that cut into his 2025 campaign. And while health played a role in limiting his ceiling, so did the Browns’ revolving door at quarterback.
Since entering the league in 2017, Njoku caught touchdown passes from eight different QBs. The 2023 season was the wildest of them all-five different starters under center-and yet, that was the year he finally earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
Go figure.
Still, at 29, Njoku finds himself at a crossroads. He’s not just looking for a new team-he’s looking for the right situation. And in that sense, Denver makes a lot of sense.
Let’s start with the obvious: Njoku’s career has been largely defined by inconsistent quarterback play. If he’s going to maximize what’s likely his last big contract window, he’ll want more than just a paycheck.
He’ll want a shot at meaningful football in January. And Denver, fresh off a playoff appearance, could offer that.
But there’s a catch-literally and figuratively. The Broncos already committed big money to Evan Engram last offseason, handing him $16.5 million guaranteed at signing.
That investment came with high expectations, and so far, the return has been mixed. Engram struggled to find rhythm in the offense, battling drops, chemistry issues, and a role that at times felt more theoretical than practical.
With Davis Webb stepping into the offensive coordinator role in 2026, there’s a chance Engram’s usage gets a facelift. Sean Payton may be ready to pass the play-calling torch, and Webb’s influence could unlock new looks.
But even with fresh eyes on the offense, Engram’s limitations are becoming harder to ignore. He’s not a natural fit in heavier formations or as an in-line blocker, and when he’s deployed as a receiver, the results haven’t always matched the hype.
That’s where Njoku could slide in as more than just insurance-he could be a difference-maker. His blend of size, speed, and physicality gives him versatility in both jumbo sets and spread looks. He can line up in multiple spots, win contested catches, and offer a more balanced skill set than what Denver currently has at the position.
Of course, the Broncos have other needs too. Running back is near the top of that list, and cap space isn’t infinite.
So if Denver is going to make a move for Njoku, it’ll likely need to be a team-friendly deal. But if they can sell him on the opportunity-on the chance to help elevate a young quarterback like Bo Nix and be part of a real playoff push-there’s a compelling case to be made.
And let’s be honest: the Broncos can’t afford to stand pat at tight end. Engram is the only real mismatch creator on the roster, and even he hasn’t consistently lived up to that billing. The rest of the group-Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull-brings reliability, sure, but not the kind of dynamic playmaking that shifts games.
When Engram isn’t clicking, Denver’s tight end room lacks pop. That’s not just a depth issue-it’s a schematic one.
It leaves yards on the field, limits creativity, and puts more pressure on the wideouts and backs to carry the load. If the Broncos are serious about taking the next step, they need more than just “good enough” at tight end.
David Njoku wouldn’t just be a luxury piece. He’d be a signal of intent-a move that says Denver is done settling and ready to build something more dangerous. If the market breaks right, this could be the kind of addition that pays off in January, not just on paper.