David Njoku announces time with Browns is over after nine seasons: ‘Beautiful journey’

David Njoku is taking his talents elsewhere. 

The longtime Browns tight end is not returning to Cleveland after spending the first nine years of his career with the organization, he revealed in an Instagram post Monday night. 

“Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey,” he wrote in the post. “I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”

Browns tight end David Njoku (85) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Huntington Bank Field. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

He ended the message with a heart emoji and the hashtag, “ChiefOut. 

Njoku was taken with the No. 29 overall pick by the Browns in 2017 and has gone on to make significant contributions to the franchise since his arrival. 

He will depart Cleveland ranked second among tight ends in franchise history in touchdown catches with 34 and receptions with 384.

Rumors had started to swirl about Njoku before the NFL trade deadline in November, but he did not end up getting moved. 

Browns tight end David Njoku (85) catches a touchdown pass as Tennessee Titans cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. (39) defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. AP

The Browns are expected to look very different next season with new head coach Todd Monken at the helm, which is something general manager Andrew Berry implied, saying the offense will see “significant turnover.” 

Njoku dealt with injury issues during his final two seasons in Cleveland, missing a combined 11 games over that time. 

He finished last season with only 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns, which were the fewest catches and receiving yards he’s had since the 2020 season. 

In his nine years with the Browns, Njoku earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023.