David Njoku Confirms Cleveland Browns Exit After Nine Seasons
In a move that marks the end of an era, veteran tight end David Njoku has officially confirmed his departure from the Cleveland Browns, choosing to enter free agency after a nine-year tenure with the franchise. The announcement came via a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, signaling a personal reset for the 29-year-old Pro Bowl talent who has spent his entire NFL career in Cleveland.
A Measured Decision Driven by Timing and Change
This separation is not rooted in bitterness but rather shaped by careful consideration of timing, health factors, and significant organizational shifts. The Browns are entering another transitional phase, and Njoku, now at a career crossroads, has opted for control over comfort. For a player who has navigated multiple injuries, coaching changes, and evolving roles throughout his time in Cleveland, this decision appears calculated rather than emotional.
Njoku's journey with the Browns began when they selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He arrived as raw athletic talent with elite physical tools and developed into a consistent offensive weapon over nine seasons. His career statistics with Cleveland include 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns, numbers that reflect steady production rather than flashy highlights.
Peak Performance Followed by Injury Challenges
The tight end's peak season came in 2023 when he earned Pro Bowl honors after recording 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable mismatch weapon in the Browns' offensive scheme. However, the subsequent two seasons presented different narratives, as injuries significantly limited his availability and production.
In 2024, Njoku appeared in just 11 games, followed by 12 appearances in 2025. This past season concluded with his lowest statistical output since 2020—only 293 receiving yards and four touchdowns. While his ability remained evident, availability emerged as the defining concern during these final chapters of his Cleveland career.
Symbolic Final Moments and Heartfelt Farewell
Njoku's final on-field act as a Brown carried profound symbolism. During the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, he crowned defensive star Myles Garrett after Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record—a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of brotherhood and shared legacy within the organization.
In his emotional farewell Instagram post, Njoku expressed deep gratitude, writing: "Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I'm so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole Browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I'm so grateful for you guys. 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❤️ #ChiefOut"
Coaching Relationship and Championship Aspirations
Former head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was dismissed shortly after the season concluded, once described his relationship with Njoku with notable honesty and respect. Stefanski remarked: "He and I have a very unique relationship. He thinks I didn't like him when I first got here, which is not true. I just told him the truth and he didn't like that. But to watch him mature and become a leader, the energy he brings in the building, the unbelievable plays that he's made over the years... I think the world of the person. Obviously disappointed for this season and the injuries, but I think very highly of the person."
Stefanski's departure may have influenced Njoku's decision, along with the tight end's desire to pursue championship opportunities while his physical capabilities remain at their peak. When asked about returning to Cleveland after the Bengals game, Njoku admitted: "I do, but it's not up to me." Now, the decision rests entirely in his hands, and he has chosen a path of change as he prepares for the 2026 free agency period and the next chapter of his professional football career.
