The Cleveland Browns have spent the majority of the offseason looking to find ways to upgrade their offense. While the big question will revolve around the quarterback position, the Browns are doing their best to ensure that whoever winds up under center will have the weapons needed to lead the team to victory.
Despite that, Cleveland made the tough decision to move on from veteran tight end David Njoku this offseason after he spent the first nine years of his career with the team. Njoku officially found a new home on Monday, as he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, which led the Browns to send a strong message on his departure in a post on social media.
Browns Send Heartfelt Goodbye Message to David Njoku
Njoku arrived in town as the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a key part of the team’s offense. While his overall production wavered, thanks in large part to the revolving door the Browns have had at quarterback over the past few years, when Njoku was at his best, he was one of the top tight ends in the league.
The best season of Njoku’s career to this point came in 2023, when he hauled in 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Each of those figures was a career high for Njoku, and he ended up earning Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his career. With Cleveland’s quarterback situation unraveling over the next two seasons, though, Njoku’s production cratered.
With Harold Fannin Jr. enjoying a breakout rookie season, the Browns opted to let Njoku walk in free agency, with the Chargers scooping him up in the aftermath of the 2026 NFL Draft. Just because Njoku is leaving, though, doesn’t necessarily mean the two sides are parting on bad terms. In fact, Cleveland sent a heartfelt goodbye message to Njoku after news of his decision to sign with Los Angeles came to light.
“Thank you David, for nine incredible years with us,” the Browns said in a post on X. “Your passion, tenacity, and fire for the game and for this team were unmatched and we were grateful for it every week. From Chief Slams to mic’d up gems, we will never forget the many amazing moments that you brought us. We wish you the best of luck in LA.”
Browns Move Forward with Harold Fannin Jr. as No. 1 Tight End
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 08: Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. #88 of the Cleveland Browns readies at the line of scrimmage in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Fannin had already taken over as the team’s top tight end last year while Njoku was still in town (72 REC, 731 YDS, 6 TD), so his role should only expand now that Njoku is gone. Jack Stoll, Joe Royer, and Blake Whiteheart currently make up the depth chart behind him, so it’s clear that Cleveland is going to be relying heavily on production from Fannin moving forward.
Njoku will have an opportunity to carve out a larger role in a more consistent Chargers passing attack now, as his arrival has helped round out what is looking like a very strong unit. Seeing him leave is certainly a tough pill to swallow, but the hope is that some young weapons can emerge for the Browns in 2026 and beyond.
Browns Send Message to David Njoku After He Signs with Chargers