Longtime Browns tight end David Njoku made a social media post Monday in which he announced that he would not be returning to Cleveland for the 2026 season.
Njoku, 29, has played his entire nine-year career for the Browns after being selected with the No. 29 pick in the 2017 draft out of Miami. The 2025 season was the last year of a four-year, $54 million deal he signed in 2022, and he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the first time in his career.
In his farewell message to Cleveland, which was posted on his Instagram account, Njoku wrote, “Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole Browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home. #ChiefOut.”
Last year, injuries limited him to just 12 games, and he didn’t have his usual impact on the offense as the passing game struggled througohut the season, rotating between three different quarterbacks. Njoku was targeted just 48 times and had 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns.
He should have plenty of suitors in free agency, where he figures to be one of the top tight ends on the market.
More NFL on Sports Illustrated
- Four David Njoku Landing Spots After TE Announces Intention to Test Free Agency
- Myles Garrett Says Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson Will Both Get a Shot to Start
- Kenneth Walker Paid Special Tribute to Injured Teammate Zach Charbonnet During SB Win
- Patriots’ Kyle Williams Played Key Role Chasing Down Streaker at Super Bowl LX
This article was originally published on www.si.com as David Njoku Announces He Won’t Return to Browns in 2026.
