Overview
- Njoku announced in an Instagram post that he will not return to Cleveland, and his contract is set to void at the start of the new league year on March 12, making him an unrestricted free agent.
- The Browns are projected to absorb roughly a $24 million dead-cap charge in 2026 tied to Njoku’s voided deal unless they use a post-June 1 designation to split the hit over two seasons.
- After a Pro Bowl peak in 2023, Njoku’s 2025 production dipped to 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, and he has missed 11 games over the past two seasons with injuries.
- Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as Cleveland’s lead tight end in 2025 with 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns, aligning with the team’s offensive reset under new coach Todd Monken.
- Across nine seasons with the Browns, the former first-round pick logged 384 receptions for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns, and analysts expect he will draw free-agent interest, with teams such as Atlanta, Kansas City, Green Bay and Tennessee mentioned as potential fits.