The tight end market could quietly become one of the more intriguing storylines of the 2026 NFL offseason, with the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons all potentially in the hunt for a new starter. And with David Njoku set to hit free agency, his name is already surfacing as a possible fit for all three teams.
Let’s start in Washington, where the Commanders are facing a major question at the top of their depth chart. Zach Ertz, a veteran presence and former Pro Bowler, is coming off a torn ACL and hitting free agency at age 35.
Retirement is on the table, and even if Ertz returns, banking on him as a long-term solution isn’t realistic. That leaves Washington with John Bates, who’s more of a blocking specialist, and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott, who hasn’t yet emerged as a reliable receiving threat.
In other words, the Commanders may need to look outside the building for a pass-catching tight end-and Njoku fits that mold.
Njoku brings a unique blend of athleticism and physicality that could give Washington’s young quarterback-whoever ends up under center in 2026-a much-needed safety valve. He’s effective in the red zone, can stretch the middle of the field, and holds his own as a blocker. That versatility makes him a plug-and-play option in just about any offensive scheme.
Over in New York, the Giants are also facing some uncertainty at tight end. Daniel Bellinger is set to hit free agency, and while Theo Johnson flashed at times, he didn’t do quite enough to lock down the starting job moving forward.
The Giants have some intriguing young weapons around quarterback Jaxson Dart-Malik Nabers, when healthy, looks like a star in the making, and the backfield combo of Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy brings some juice. If Wan’Dale Robinson returns healthy, the slot is covered.
But the tight end spot? That’s still a question mark.
Adding a player like Njoku would give Dart a reliable target over the middle and a playmaker who can create after the catch. His ability to stretch the seam would complement the Giants’ current weapons and provide another layer to the offense. Still, with Johnson in the mix, New York might be more hesitant to make a splash at the position unless they're convinced Johnson isn’t the long-term answer.
Then there’s Atlanta, where things get really interesting. Kyle Pitts is a pending free agent, and while the Falcons could certainly try to bring him back, there’s no guarantee he returns-especially given his status as the top tight end on the market.
If Pitts walks, the Falcons will need a replacement, and they might not have a ready-made solution on the roster. That’s where Njoku could come in.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski knows Njoku well from their time together in Cleveland. That familiarity could go a long way in a potential reunion.
Atlanta doesn’t have a young tight end like Harold Fannin Jr. waiting in the wings, so Njoku could step in as a short-term answer while the Falcons look to develop someone long-term. His experience and skill set would provide stability at a position that’s otherwise in flux.
Njoku, for his part, is coming off a down year statistically-just 293 receiving yards in 12 games-but context matters. Cleveland’s quarterback situation was a revolving door last season, and Njoku was often left trying to make something out of nothing.
That’s been a recurring theme in his career. Still, durability is a concern.
He’s missed 11 games over the past two seasons and turns 30 in July. For teams considering a multi-year investment, that’s something to weigh heavily.
But when Njoku is healthy, he’s a difference-maker. He’s a big-bodied target who can box out defenders, run after the catch, and hold his own as an in-line blocker. For teams with young quarterbacks-and all three of these squads fit that bill-he’s the kind of player who can settle things down when the pocket collapses or the play breaks down.
Each team has a different reason to consider Njoku. The Commanders need a fresh start at the position.
The Giants need more consistency. The Falcons might need to replace a star.
And while it’s too early to pencil him in anywhere just yet, Washington feels like the most logical fit. The need is clear, the depth chart is thin, and Njoku’s skill set lines up perfectly with what they’re missing.
It’s shaping up to be a fascinating offseason for tight ends-and Njoku could be right at the center of it.