Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku has officially announced that his time with the franchise is over after nine seasons, confirming he will not return for the upcoming NFL campaign.
The long-serving player shared the news on Monday night, posting an emotional farewell message online that signalled the end of an era in Cleveland.
Njoku, who joined the Browns in 2017, said he feels it is now time to “find a new home”, bringing to a close one of the longest tenures by a Browns offensive player in recent years.
What did David Njoku say about leaving Cleveland?
David Njoku made his announcement in a personal Instagram post, where he thanked the Browns organisation, his teammates, and the city of Cleveland.
In his message, he described his nine-year spell with the club as a “beautiful journey”
He also expressed gratitude to Browns ownership, management, and the players he shared the pitch with, saying Cleveland will “forever be home”.
Njoku ended the message with a heart emoji and the hashtag #ChiefOut, which many fans interpreted as his final goodbye to the franchise.
Why is David Njoku leaving the Browns such a big story?
Njoku’s departure matters because he has been one of the most recognisable faces in Cleveland’s offence for nearly a decade.
While the Browns have struggled with consistency over the years, Njoku remained a key part of the squad through multiple rebuilds, coaching changes, and quarterback rotations.
David Njoku announces that he won’t return to the Browns in 2026.
“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.” pic.twitter.com/3NiyieACii
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) February 10, 2026
His exit also signals that Cleveland may be heading into a major reset. For Browns fans, it is not just about losing a player; it is about losing one of the last remaining links to the team’s previous era.
How successful was David Njoku during his nine seasons with the Browns?
David Njoku leaves Cleveland with impressive franchise numbers.
Across his Browns career, he recorded:
- 384 receptions
- 4,062 receiving yards
- 34 touchdown catches
That puts him among the most productive tight ends in Browns history, ranking second at the position for both touchdowns and receptions.
Njoku also earned Pro Bowl honours in 2023, which became the standout season of his career.
Did injuries affect Njoku’s final seasons in Cleveland?
Yes, injuries played a noticeable role. Over his final two seasons, Njoku missed a combined 11 games, which disrupted his momentum and limited his ability to build on his Pro Bowl year.
In the most recent season, he finished with:
- 33 catches
- 293 yards
- 4 touchdowns
Those totals marked one of his quietest years since 2020, and the reduced output may have influenced both the player and the club’s future planning.
What changes are happening inside the Browns organisation?
Njoku’s departure comes as the Browns prepare for major offensive restructuring. The team is expected to look different under new leadership, with fresh tactical direction and potential personnel changes.
Reports around the club have suggested that the Browns intend to reshape their attacking unit, which may have accelerated Njoku’s decision to move on.
Cleveland also has younger players rising in the tight end position, which could make the transition easier from a squad-building perspective.
Where could David Njoku go next?
Although Njoku has not confirmed his next destination, he is likely to draw strong interest across the league due to his experience, athleticism, and proven red-zone ability.
At 29 years old, he still has several years left at a high level if he stays healthy, and teams looking for a reliable tight end could see him as a ready-made upgrade.
With free agency approaching, Njoku is expected to become one of the more talked-about offensive names available this offseason.
How are fans reacting to David Njoku’s exit?
Reaction online has been emotional, with many Browns supporters thanking Njoku for his loyalty and leadership during difficult seasons.
Some fans expressed frustration that the club could not keep one of its longest-serving players, while others accepted the move as part of the NFL’s constant turnover.
His farewell post quickly gained traction, with supporters describing him as a “warrior” and “one of the real ones” in Cleveland.
