Story by
Cleveland Browns Tight End David Njoku Leaves Team After 2025 Season
- Story by
- Cleveland Browns Tight End David Njoku Leaves Team After 2025 Season
Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns fell short of expectations this NFL season, ending with a 5‑12 record and missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. On a positive note, the Browns closed the season with two straight wins, giving them momentum heading into next year.
Sanders started the final seven games of the season, leading Cleveland to a 3‑4 record in that stretch. He threw for 1,400 yards on 120 of 212 passing, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 169 yards and a touchdown. Entering his second NFL season, Sanders and the Browns' offense will need to adapt without tight end David Njoku , who confirmed he is leaving Cleveland.
Advertisement
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Njoku was selected by the Browns with the No. 29 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft after a three-year college career with the Miami Hurricanes. The tight end has been a consistent presence in Cleveland over the past nine seasons, totaling 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns.
But during the second half of the 2025 season, Njoku dealt with a knee injury that forced him to miss the final four games, opening the door for rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to take on a larger role in the offense. On March 12, the last year of Njoku's four-year, $54.75 million contract will be voided , making him a free agent.
Advertisement
On Monday, Njoku confirmed it was time for a change, announcing he would not return to Cleveland for a 10th season.
"Cleveland, first off I love you," Njoku wrote on Instagram. "These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I'm am 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"
Njoku served as a key red zone target for Sanders while building chemistry with the rookie quarterback. With his exit, Fannin is in line to continue as the team's top tight end . But even with a promising rookie year, he remains far less proven, creating a possible drop-off in experience and consistency.
Advertisement
Related: Chiefs' Travis Kelce Sends Message to Seahawks TE After Super Bowl LX
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
