Broncos linked to Browns Pro Bowl TE amid need for playmakers

While the 2025 season ended in disappointment, the Denver Broncos turned a corner and appear to be clear Super Bowl contenders moving forward in the AFC.

But, in the upcoming 2026 NFL season, the Broncos' offense needs to improve. While they've brought back everyone from 2025, the skill players in Denver need to add more playmaking, with one of the more pressing needs being at tight end.

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider linked the Broncos to one such playmaker, as the Cleveland Browns free agent tight end David Njoku. After nine years in Cleveland, Njoku could come to Denver and give Bo Nix another playmaker at a position of need.

Broncos linked to David Njoku

"Among the names that could be interesting for the Broncos are tight ends Dallas Goedert and David Njoku and wide receiver Jauan Jennings," Kosmider writes.

While Dallas Goedert and Jauan Jennings might be the more appealing free agent targets for the Broncos of the three Kosmider named, Njoku is still worthy of a pickup.

He's 29 years old, and while he's coming off another rough season shortened by injury, Njoku is still a playmaking tight end who would be a nice starter over Evan Engram as an in-line option.

Last season in 12 games, Njoku had 33 receptions on 48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns. In his last full season in 2023, he had 81 catches on 123 targets for 882 yards and six touchdowns, all career highs.

While his production hasn't been great, he has been a receiving tight end for the Browns, one of the worst teams of the last few seasons, especially on offense.

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He has spent all nine years of his NFL career with the Browns, and now, he's hitting free agency and is likely on his way out.

If Sean Payton and George Paton are ready to add outside help for Nix this offseason, then Njoku, a solid receiving tight end, would be a realistic free agent to target.

The ceiling Njoku has shown, despite being on a weak offense, should make him an interesting option for the Broncos. It wouldn't be strange to assume that if Njoku joins Nix in Denver, he could have another Pro Bowl-caliber season.

With a need at tight end, and Njoku looking to join an elite offense finally, the Broncos' landing the Pro Bowler makes a ton of sense this offseason in what would be a very interesting free agent addition for Denver.

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