(Photo credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)

Tight end David Njoku revealed in an Instagram post on Monday night that he will enter free agency and not return to the Cleveland Browns.

Njoku, 29, has played all nine of his NHL seasons in Cleveland. He ranks second among Browns tight ends in all-time touchdowns (34) and pass receptions (384). Only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome (47; 662) amassed more, from 1978-90.

'Cleveland, first off I love you,' wrote Njoku in his post. 'These nine years have been a beautiful journey. 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.'

Under new coach Todd Monken, general manager Berry and the Browns will look to revamp an offense that has scored the fewest points in the league over the past two seasons combined. There is uncertainly at quarterback, with first-year players Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel plus oft-injured veteran Deshaun Watson on current roster.

Njoku, a 2017 first-round selection (29th overall) from the University of Miami (Fla.) made an immediate impact, hauling in 88 receptions for 1,025 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two pro seasons. He peaked in 2023, accumulating career bests for catches (81), yards (882) and touchdowns (six) and earned his lone Pro Bowl selection.

However, he missed 11 total games in 2024 and 2025 due to injury and his production slipped. This past season, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. became the prime target at tight end, catching 72 balls for 731 yards and six touchdowns while Njoku finished with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four scores.

--Field Level Media