Browns Lose Pro Bowl TE Njoku to Free Agency

New England Patriots emerge as top landing spot for the versatile tight end

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:52pm

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After nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku is set to hit free agency. The Patriots are being pegged as the best fit for the 26-year-old, who could provide a versatile receiving threat to complement New England's offensive line additions. Njoku's departure leaves the Browns thin at tight end, with Harold Fannin Jr. emerging as the new starter but the team needing to find a pass-catching complement.

Why it matters

Njoku's free agency move is significant for both the Browns and Patriots. Cleveland loses a talented pass-catching tight end, while New England could add a dynamic weapon to their offense as they look to return to the Super Bowl. The Browns will need to address their tight end depth through the draft or free agency.

The details

Njoku, a former first-round pick, has been a solid contributor for the Browns, ranking second in franchise history among tight ends in receptions and touchdowns. However, the emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. as a potential star made Njoku expendable. The Patriots, coming off a Super Bowl appearance, have the cap space and need for a versatile tight end like Njoku to complement their recent offensive line additions.

  • Njoku's nine-year tenure with the Browns has come to an end.
  • Njoku is set to hit free agency in the 2023 offseason.

The players

David Njoku

A 26-year-old tight end who spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, making the Pro Bowl in 2020.

Harold Fannin Jr.

A breakout rookie tight end for the Browns in 2022, catching 72 passes for 731 yards and 6 touchdowns, emerging as a potential future Pro Bowler.

New England Patriots

The AFC champion team that is being pegged as the best landing spot for Njoku in free agency, with the cap space and need for a versatile tight end.

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What they’re saying

“In free agency so far, Mike Vrabel and Co. have signed a fullback to help on the offensive line, along with a blocking tight end, which creates an opportunity to pursue more of a pass-catcher, and that could mean David Njoku becomes an option now.”

— Sara Marshall, Writer, Musket Fire (Musket Fire)

“Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”

— David Njoku (Instagram)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to negotiate a contract with Njoku in free agency, while the Browns will look to the draft and free agency to find a pass-catching tight end to complement Harold Fannin Jr.

The takeaway

Njoku's departure leaves a void in the Browns' passing game, but also creates an opportunity for the Patriots to add a dynamic weapon to their offense as they look to return to the Super Bowl. The Browns will need to address their tight end depth, either through the draft or free agency, to ensure they have the necessary weapons around their quarterback in 2023.