David Njoku Emerges as a Key Free Agent After Cleveland Browns Farewell
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell has released a list of notable players still available in the NFL free agency market, highlighting several hidden gems. Among them is tight end David Njoku, who recently bid farewell to the Cleveland Browns after nine seasons. The 29-year-old announced his departure in February via a heartfelt social media post, expressing gratitude for his time with the franchise.
Following the news, multiple teams have shown interest in Njoku, including the Kansas City Chiefs. This interest was partly due to uncertainty around Travis Kelce's future, as he delayed his retirement decision until March 11, coinciding with the start of the new league year. However, as trades unfolded and other free agents were signed, Njoku remained one of the few prominent players still on the market.
Injury Challenges and Performance Decline
Barnwell reports that injuries have significantly hampered Njoku's playing time over the past two seasons. A knee injury sidelined him for 10 games, severely affecting his route efficiency. His average yards per catch dropped from 11.3 during his peak three-year period to just 8.2 in the last two years. Additionally, his catch count plummeted from 22 to only five in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Over the past five seasons, Njoku also recorded the highest drop rate among NFL tight ends with at least 200 targets. This decline may be linked to the inconsistent quarterback situation in Cleveland, where he played with Baker Mayfield and later Deshaun Watson.
Quarterback Instability in Cleveland
For the past five years, the Browns have lacked a consistent signal-caller. Njoku's best performance came during his rookie year with Baker Mayfield, where he recorded a career-high 56 catches for 639 yards on 88 targets. After Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers, Deshaun Watson arrived, but their connection was short-lived due to Watson's inconsistencies and injuries.
Watson's extended absence for much of 2024 and the entire 2025 season further contributed to Njoku's downturn. His departure from the Browns in February could provide a new perspective on his NFL career, especially as he approaches 29, an age often marking the tail end of a player's prime.
Potential Fit with the Baltimore Ravens
Barnwell suggests the Baltimore Ravens as a potential destination for Njoku. The team lost tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in the first week of free agency. Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the New York Giants, while Kolar joined the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year, $24.3 million deal.
The Ravens have already signed Durham Smythe from the Chicago Bears to replace Kolar. Smythe, with 136 career catches, previously worked under Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle in Chicago during 2025. However, the team still has longtime starter Mark Andrews, whose costly drop in a game against the Buffalo Bills remains fresh in fans' minds.
Njoku could fill the vacancy left by Isaiah Likely as the second tight end in Baltimore's offense. Spotrac projects a potential two-year contract worth $19 million, with an average annual salary of $10 million. The Ravens currently have approximately $58.5 million in salary cap space for 2026, following adjustments to Lamar Jackson's contract that freed up $40 million. While they can accommodate Njoku, it remains uncertain if they will pursue another blockbuster player after acquiring defensive end Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Only time will tell where David Njoku lands, but his experience and potential make him a valuable asset in the ongoing free agency period.
