David Njoku

Njoku announced his departure from Cleveland on February 10, 2026, entering free agency at age 29 after averaging just 2.8 receptions and 24.4 yards per game in 2025 while missing several games due to injury. His projected market value is around a 2-year, $20 million contract, but landing spot quality remains uncertain in a crowded TE market.

In 2025, Njoku was targeted just 48 times with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns, a massive drop from his 2023 Pro Bowl season (81-882-6). The Browns turned to rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who recorded 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, signaling organizational preference for youth.

Njoku missed the final four games of the 2025 season with a knee injury — the same joint that caused him to miss a game in 2024. Recurring knee issues at age 29 headed into a free agent year raise legitimate durability flags.

Harold Fannin Jr. (dynasty value 4615) emerged as Shedeur Sanders' preferred TE target as a rookie and has officially taken over the CLE TE1 role. Njoku is no longer part of Cleveland's future in any capacity.

Dynasty value is almost entirely contingent on destination. Until a signing is announced, there is no reliable basis for projecting target volume, QB quality, or scheme fit — the three variables that determine TE fantasy relevance at his age.

Njoku signed in LAC behind breakout 2nd-year TE Oronde Gadsden (TE1, value 3553) in a three-man room with Charlie Kolar. McDaniel's multi-TE sets get them on the field together, but Njoku is the clear #2 option and won't command featured-TE target volume.

Landing with a pass-heavy scheme or WR-needy team lacking established TE depth could restore Njoku's role and value as an immediate contributor.

Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is now with Atlanta, and the Falcons could lose Kyle Pitts in free agency, creating a potential reunion scenario where Njoku's familiarity with Stefanski's system could provide immediate value.

Denver (Sean Payton scheme, Bo Nix) and Baltimore (Lamar Jackson) are actively linked to Njoku post-draft via NFL insider Albert Breer and a confirmed Ravens visit in March. Either landing would immediately restore TE1 fantasy relevance and could add 20-30% to dynasty trade value.

Njoku has proven red zone consistency across nine NFL seasons and remains serviceable as a secondary target in PPR formats, providing steady floor value in the right offense.

Njoku is still an effective passing-game weapon who may be available on a team-friendly contract given his advancing age and limited 2025 appearances. He could provide veteran depth for a contender needing TE help.

McDaniel leaned heavily on 12-personnel in Miami, and with thin WR depth behind McConkey and Johnston there is a real path for Njoku to see streamable redraft volume as a secondary Herbert target.