Browns TE David Njoku Won't Re-Sign with Team

Tight end plans to test free agency after 5 seasons in Cleveland

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

One day after the Super Bowl, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku announced that he will not re-sign with the team and will instead test free agency this offseason. Njoku has spent the first 5 seasons of his NFL career with the Browns.

Why it matters

Njoku has been a consistent contributor for the Browns since being drafted in the 1st round in 2017. His departure will leave a significant hole in their offense that they'll need to address through free agency or the draft.

The details

In a statement, the 26-year-old Njoku said "The time for me to find a new home has come." He did not provide any further details on his reasoning for leaving the Browns. Njoku was a 1st-round pick by Cleveland in 2017 and has caught 148 passes for 1,754 yards and 15 touchdowns over his 5 seasons with the team.

  • On February 9, 2026, one day after the Super Bowl, Njoku announced he would not re-sign with the Browns.

The players

David Njoku

A 26-year-old tight end who has spent the first 5 seasons of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns after being drafted in the 1st round in 2017.

LeBron James

A former NBA star for the Cleveland Cavaliers who famously announced on national TV in 2010 that he was leaving the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat.

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What they’re saying

“The time for me to find a new home has come”

— David Njoku (Waurika News Journal)

What’s next

Njoku will now enter free agency, where he is expected to draw interest from multiple teams looking to add a talented tight end to their offense.

The takeaway

Njoku's departure is a significant loss for the Browns, who will need to find a way to replace his production and leadership in their passing game. His decision to test free agency highlights the constant player movement in the NFL and the challenges teams face in retaining their top talent.