The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2026 campaign with the same big question mark at the quarterback position that they have had in recent seasons. Regardless of who ends up under center, though, you can make a case that they will be playing alongside one of the better supporting casts the Browns have had at their disposal over the past few years.
That group won’t include veteran tight end David Njoku, who bolted for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency after spending the first nine seasons of his career in Cleveland. While Njoku still has a lot of love for the Browns, he recently explained why he believes it was time for him to leave the Browns this offseason.
David Njoku Explains Decision to Leave the Browns in Free Agency
After getting selected with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Njoku turned himself into a key piece of the Browns’ offense. He was never the most consistent producer, but he was a top-tier red zone threat, and he quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in large part to his devotion to Cleveland, even amid its long-running struggles.
Njoku put together a Pro Bowl campaign in 2023 when he caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns, but his production fell off a cliff over the next two seasons, thanks in large part to the arrival of Harold Fannin Jr. in 2025. The Browns opted to turn over the tight end room to Fannin by allowing Njoku to walk in free agency.
Seeing Njoku leave was certainly a tough pill for the team to swallow, especially since he had previously said he had hoped to retire as a member of the Browns. Instead, he will now look to provide Justin Herbert with some help in the passing game as a member of the Chargers, and he kept it real when discussing his stint in free agency this offseason.
“It’s just business, honestly,” Njoku said of his decision to leave the Browns. “That’s what it comes down to, just figuring out what is the best route for me individually and as a team. I guess it was best that we decided to part ways. I think it was just best for both parties.”
Browns Already Have Their David Njoku Replacement Lined Up
GettyThe Browns sent a goodbye message to David Njoku after he signed with the Chargers in free agency
As noted above, Fannin’s breakout campaign as a rookie last year made Njoku expendable for the Browns. Even with Njoku still earning snaps, Fannin managed to outproduce him by a wide margin (72 REC, 731 YDS, 6 TD), so there’s good reason to believe that he could take a big step forward in 2026 now that he is the clear-cut top option at the tight end position.
It would have been nice to see Njoku retire as a member of Cleveland’s organization, and while he could ultimately still decide to do so, for the time being, the two sides have parted ways. The Browns are intent on putting together a successful rebuild, and unfortunately, their plans did not involve a reunion with Njoku this offseason.
Former TE David Njoku Sends Message on Browns in First Chargers Press Conference