Jaguars Eyeing Browns TE David Njoku in Free Agency

Veteran tight end could bolster Trevor Lawrence's supporting cast in Jacksonville

Feb. 11, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly considering making a run at veteran tight end David Njoku, who is set to hit free agency after nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Njoku, a 2017 first-round pick, has been a consistent contributor for the Browns, but the team may be ready to move on after drafting Harold Fannin Jr. in 2025. While the Jaguars already have a solid tight end in Brenton Strange, adding Njoku could give quarterback Trevor Lawrence another reliable target and allow the team to deploy more two-tight end sets.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have made it a priority to surround Lawrence with as much talent as possible after failing to do so early in his career. Njoku would provide another experienced weapon for the young quarterback and help address the team's depth at tight end, an important position in the team's offensive scheme.

The details

Njoku, 30, has been a consistent producer for the Browns, catching 384 passes for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns over the past nine seasons. However, his playing time began to decline late in the 2025 season as the team integrated 2025 draft pick Harold Fannin Jr. into the offense. The Jaguars, who are currently over the salary cap, would need to make some moves to create space to sign Njoku, who is expected to command a sizable contract on the open market.

  • Njoku announced he will test free agency in 2026.

The players

David Njoku

A 30-year-old tight end who has spent the past nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, making the Pro Bowl in 2023.

Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars' starting quarterback, who is entering his fifth NFL season.

Brenton Strange

The Jaguars' current starting tight end, who had a solid 2025 season.

Harold Fannin Jr.

A tight end drafted by the Browns in 2025, who saw increased playing time late in the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I've enjoyed my time with the Browns, but it's time to move on.”

— David Njoku

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to free up salary cap space in order to make a serious run at signing Njoku in free agency.

The takeaway

Adding a proven veteran like David Njoku to complement Brenton Strange would give Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' offense another dynamic weapon, but the team will have to carefully manage its salary cap to make such a move feasible.