David Njoku’s time in Cleveland is officially over, and after nine seasons in brown and orange, the athletic tight end is headed to free agency.
It’s the end of an era for a player who, at times, looked like he could be a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense. Njoku walks away from his Cleveland tenure with 384 receptions, 4,062 yards, and 34 touchdowns - a stat line that reflects both his talent and the rollercoaster nature of his career.
The former Miami Hurricane posted a heartfelt thank-you to the city and the organization, signaling that this wasn’t a decision made lightly. And really, there was a stretch where it felt like Cleveland had found their guy at tight end.
That belief reached its peak in 2023, when Njoku put together the best season of his career: 81 catches, 882 yards, six touchdowns, and a well-earned Pro Bowl nod. He was dynamic, reliable, and a nightmare for linebackers in coverage - exactly the kind of weapon the Browns had hoped he’d become.
But the momentum didn’t last.
Injuries began to pile up. The quarterback carousel in Cleveland didn’t help either, with inconsistency under center making it hard for Njoku to stay in rhythm or remain a focal point.
The offense shifted, the targets dwindled, and younger players started to carve out bigger roles. By the time this past season wrapped, the writing was on the wall - Njoku’s days as a featured piece in Cleveland’s offense were behind him.
Now, at 29, Njoku hits the open market. And while he may no longer be the rising star he once was, the skill set is still there. He’s a physical mismatch - too fast for linebackers, too big for safeties - and when he’s healthy and used properly, he can still tilt the field.
For fans in Miami, where Njoku first made his name, it’s a reminder of the athleticism and upside that made him such a compelling prospect in the first place. And for teams looking to add a proven, versatile tight end with red zone chops and big-play ability, it won’t take long for someone to make a move.
David Njoku’s Cleveland chapter is closed. But his NFL story? That’s still very much being written.