The Cleveland Browns look like they will start the Todd Monken era by searching for a new tight end. David Njoku has been with the Browns since he was drafted nine years ago, but he took to social media to announce that when his contract expires in March, he will look to continue his career elsewhere.
Njoku is a nine-year veteran. He posted a 71.5 score in PFSN’s Tight End Impact Metric and should have plenty of suitors, which raises the question of who could compete to sign the tight end when free agency opens in March.
Five Landing Spots for David Njoku
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons could be in the market for a tight end if Kyle Pitts commands a large contract elsewhere.
Should that happen, Atlanta will still want to surround quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with as many weapons as possible.
In addition, the Falcons’ offense is young at the skill positions, led by Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Njoku could be the piece they add to provide a veteran presence while maintaining impact in the tight end room and creating opportunities over the middle of the field in the passing game.
New England Patriots
Hunter Henry is New England’s top tight end and remains a strong target for Drake Maye in the middle of the field. Behind him, however, Austin Hooper leaves something to be desired, and with ample salary cap space, the Patriots could be looking to reload in an effort to return to the Super Bowl.
Njoku could potentially thrive in a secondary pass-catching role in Josh McDaniels’ offense, which has featured two-tight-end sets dating back to the days of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez working the middle of the field for Tom Brady’s Patriots.
The Patriots could attempt to recreate that formula by adding Njoku, who may be motivated to play for a winning team after spending the majority of his career in Cleveland.
Miami Dolphins
Jeff Hafley is the new coach in Miami, and with any rebuild, a new staff often looks to add players who can help strengthen the team’s culture.
With Njoku, the Dolphins would be acquiring a veteran tight end eager to win after years of losing in Cleveland. Miami may not be positioned to contend immediately, but as a potential suitor for Green Bay’s Malik Willis, the Dolphins would be focused on surrounding him with weapons to help him succeed.
Njoku would add another solid contributor alongside Julian Hill, who recorded a 70.2 score in PFSN’s Tight End Impact Metric.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are picking up the pieces after a disastrous season that fell well short of expectations following an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2024.
Jayden Daniels spent much of the year in and out of the lineup with various injuries. His top tight end was Zach Ertz, who posted an impact score slightly higher than Njoku’s at 73.0.
However, Ertz has significant mileage on his body and may consider retirement this offseason, which could leave Washington searching for a new safety valve for Daniels. That is where Njoku could step in and help the Commanders reestablish themselves among the NFL’s contenders.
Baltimore Ravens
The Cleveland Browns once became the Baltimore Ravens, so why not an individual player?
The Ravens have been far more successful than the Browns since Cleveland returned to the NFL in 1999, winning two Super Bowls and earning a reputation as one of the league’s model franchises.
After spending most of his career in Cleveland, Njoku may value stability with his next team, and Baltimore could use his services on offense. The Ravens are likely to lose reserve tight end Isaiah Likely to free agency.
If that happens, Baltimore could offer Njoku familiarity and a chance to chase a championship with Lamar Jackson under center. He could form a potentially savvy duo with Mark Andrews, who signed an extension during the regular season.
