Predicting David Njoku’s Contract & Next Team

Cleveland ended David Njoku’s nine-year tenure with the team by releasing him this offseason.

After Harold Fannin Jr. broke out in his rookie season, the Browns deemed Njoku surplus to requirements.

By designating him as a post-June 1 cut, Cleveland spreads the dead money out over two years. Now, Njoku finds himself in need of a new team at age 29.

Last year, Njoku recorded only 33 receptions for 293 yards. It followed three straight seasons where he surpassed 55 receptions.

David Njoku Contract: Predicting Njoku’s Free Agency Deal

Despite a weak 2025 season, Njoku likely offers a baseline production level above his performance.

Yards per reception, albeit in a limited sample size, went up for Njoku in 2025. Plus, he recorded four straight seasons in which he averaged over 10 yards per reception.

His contract likely falls somewhere between Adam Trautman ($5.67 average annual value) and T.J. Hockenson ($10.25 average annual value).

Trautman received a three-year deal on the open market. With teams still possessing cap room, expect Njoku to see a two- or three-year deal around $7.5-8 million per year.

David Njoku Next Team Predictions

I like the New England Patriots as a potential destination for Njoku. After Hunter Henry, the Patriots lack depth pieces at tight end.

For a team with a great quarterback and lacking skill players, New England signing Njoku offers Drake Maye a reliable pass catcher.

With $35 million to spend, the Patriots could prove a destination.

I’m also looking at the Los Angeles Chargers as a fit for Njoku. Oronde Gadsden broke out last year and Los Angeles signed blocking tight end Charlie Kolar.

But for a team that wants to run the ball, Los Angeles could use another tight end to bolster its blocking. Njoku could appeal to a team with the third-most cap space.