David Njoku is approaching a pivotal moment in his NFL career, as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. This development presents a significant decision for the Cleveland Browns, particularly in light of recent contract negotiations impacting the tight end market. The San Francisco 49ers recently secured George Kittle with a four-year, $76.4 million extension, which raises the stakes for Njoku, who, at 28, brings a comparable skill set to the table.
With Kittle setting a new baseline for tight end contracts, the Browns must navigate their spending strategy carefully. They are in the midst of a rebuild and have recently drafted Harold Fannin Jr., a move that could provide them more flexibility in their roster decisions. As Njoku nears the conclusion of his four-year, $54.75 million deal with the Browns, trading him could become a viable option if they cannot negotiate an extension.
One potential landing spot for Njoku is with the New England Patriots. New England has made significant moves to build around their new quarterback, Drake Maye, this offseason. With the additions of playmakers like Stefon Diggs and draft picks Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams, the Patriots are aiming to bolster their offensive arsenal.
While they do have Austin Hooper in the tight end position, he doesn’t necessarily provide the dynamic game-changing threat that Njoku could. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 246 pounds, Njoku’s blend of size and athleticism makes him a significant deep threat, bringing the ability to create separation and stretch defenses vertically. Over the course of his career, he has amassed 3,928 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable target.
Acquiring Njoku could further enhance the Patriots’ offensive capabilities and give Maye another crucial target, helping to solidify the receiving corps as they aim for a more explosive offense moving forward. As the landscape of tight-end contracts shifts, the Browns will need to make strategic decisions that align with their long-term vision for the franchise.
