Browns' Pro Bowler Considering Move to Ravens in Free Agency

David Njoku, a nine-year veteran with the Cleveland Browns, is visiting the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:34am

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, a Pro Bowl selection, is considering leaving the team in free agency to join the Baltimore Ravens. Njoku has played his entire nine-year career with the Browns, but with the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. last season, his role has diminished. The Ravens, who run a lot of offensive plays with multiple tight ends, have openings at the position after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. Njoku's visit with the Ravens suggests he may be interested in a change of scenery and the opportunity to play against his former team twice a year.

Why it matters

Losing a long-tenured and talented player like Njoku would be a blow to the Browns, who have struggled to find consistent success in recent years. His potential departure to a division rival like the Ravens would make the AFC North race even more competitive. For Njoku, joining the Ravens could provide a fresh start and the chance to be a key part of their tight end-heavy offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The details

Njoku was the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and has spent his entire nine-year career with the Browns. During that time, he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and recorded 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns. However, his role diminished in 2025 with the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Now, Njoku is visiting the Ravens, who have openings at the tight end position after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in free agency. The Ravens' offense, led by Lamar Jackson, utilizes multiple tight ends, which could provide Njoku with an opportunity to be a key contributor.

  • Njoku was drafted by the Browns in 2017.
  • Njoku made the Pro Bowl in 2021.
  • Njoku's role diminished with the Browns in 2025 due to the emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
  • Njoku is visiting the Ravens as a free agent in 2026.

The players

David Njoku

A nine-year veteran tight end who has spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns, including making the Pro Bowl in 2021.

Harold Fannin Jr.

A rookie tight end who emerged as a key contributor for the Browns in 2025, leading to a diminished role for Njoku.

Lamar Jackson

The quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, who run an offense that heavily utilizes multiple tight ends.

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What’s next

If Njoku signs with the Ravens, it will be interesting to see how he performs in their tight end-heavy offense and how his departure impacts the Browns' roster and the AFC North division race.

The takeaway

This potential move highlights the challenges teams face in retaining talented players, especially when younger options emerge. For Njoku, the opportunity to join a contender like the Ravens and potentially play against his former team twice a year could be an appealing next step in his career.