At the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Cleveland Browns General Manager Andrew Berry addressed the future of tight end David Njoku, who will become a free agent on March 11. Despite Njoku’s recent farewell message to the Browns and their fans on Instagram, Berry emphasized that Njoku remains a “Brown for life.”
David Njoku’s Impact and Tenure with the Browns
Njoku was a key player for the Browns over nine seasons, making him the third-longest tenured player behind guard Joel Bitonio, contemplating retirement, and star edge rusher Myles Garrett. Throughout 118 games, Njoku started 88, recording 384 receptions for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns. His performance helped the Browns reach the playoffs in 2020 and 2023.
In the franchise’s record books, Njoku ranks second among tight ends in career touchdown catches, just behind Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome’s 47, and places third overall in receptions behind Newsome and Dante Lavelli.
Overcoming Challenges and Key Moments in Njoku’s Career
Njoku’s Cleveland journey was marked by challenges including a public fallout with former head coach Freddie Kitchens in 2019 and two trade requests in 2020. In 2023, he suffered severe burns in a fire-pit accident that left significant injuries to his face and arms. Nonetheless, Njoku returned to deliver his best season with 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection while helping the Browns reach the playoffs again.
On-Field Personality and Fan Connection
Njoku became beloved by Browns fans not just for his skill, but also his distinctive personality. His trademark touchdown celebration known as the “Chief slam,” his two-toned braids, and his habit of going shirtless in cold weather endeared him to the Dawg Pound. However, entering the 2025 season, signs pointed to a likely end of his tenure with Cleveland.
Transition in the Tight End Position with Rising Talent
In 2025, Njoku’s role diminished as he caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games, missing four games late in the season due to a knee injury sustained against the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the team leader at tight end, topping the Browns with 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns.
Berry acknowledged Fannin’s rise, saying,
“It would be disingenuous to say it doesn’t factor in,”
and praised Fannin’s rookie year performance, calling it
“incredible”
.
Uncertainty Surrounding Njoku’s Future After 2025 Season
Following the Browns’ final game of the season in Cincinnati, Njoku expressed uncertainty about his Cleveland future and confirmed no formal contract extension discussions had taken place. He said,
“I do (want to return to Cleveland), but it’s not up to me,”
reflecting the open-ended nature of his situation.
Contract and Financial Considerations Impacting Njoku’s Status
Njoku signed a lucrative four-year extension in 2022 worth $54.75 million but since then, the Browns restructured his contract multiple times, creating $24.331 million in dead cap space for when his deal expires. The restructuring extended the contract’s void date to February 2029 by adding dummy salaries through 2028. This maneuver shows the Browns are managing salary cap implications carefully while making football decisions.
Berry’s Reflections on Njoku’s Legacy with the Browns
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Njoku’s playing future with Cleveland, Berry made it clear the organization values Njoku’s nine years of commitment. He said,
“I think one of the most difficult things to do as an organization and certainly as a general manager is when you realize there’s a possibility that a professional relationship has run its course with a long-tenured player who has done a lot for the organization and who you’ve developed a personal relationship with,”
adding,
“If David’s not back, he’ll be a Brown for life.”
Berry also expressed confidence that Njoku will maintain a meaningful connection with the team and fans, envisioning,
“whenever he does hang ‘em up, he’ll be a Dawg Pound captain at the beginning of the games and I’m sure he’ll smash the guitar with his shirt off. So we’ll be excited to bring him back.”
Looking Ahead: The Browns’ Tight End Position and Legacy
The Browns are transitioning the tight end role from a respected veteran to promising young talent, with Fannin positioned as the future. The respectful sendoff and admiration for Njoku underscore his impact on the franchise and fans alike. Whether Njoku returns to Cleveland as a player or remains involved in another capacity, his legacy as a Brown remains secure.
For a little clarity on this, the Browns & Njoku agreed to a contract restructure in October that pushed the void date back to February of 2029, adding in "dummy" salaries for 2026-2028. This allows Cleveland to carry the contract into the league year, then designate him a Post… https://t.co/QWwoWyZz9O
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 10, 2026
