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David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While arguably few and far between, the Denver Broncos’ roster needs heading into the 2026 offseason are significant. However, the latest news coming from the AFC rival Cleveland Browns and, specifically, David Njoku, bodes well for Denver.
The Broncos made it a point to address their tight end position during the 2025 offseason, but still finished the campaign in need of even greater contributions from the position as a whole.
That is where Njoku could be an option, especially after his significant gesture.
David Njoku Sends Telling Message Before Offseason
GettyDavid Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks on against the New Orleans Saints.
Njoku was a popular speculative addition for several rosters around the league before the 2025 trade deadline, including the Broncos.
The Broncos are primed to get their best shot to land the 2023 Pro Bowler this offseason.
“Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together,” Njoku posted on Instagram on February 9, thanking his teammates and everyone involved with the Browns.
“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 [heart emoji] #ChiefOut”
Njoku, who turns 30 in July, is coming off a four-year, $54.7 million contract.
He has $69.4 million in career earnings. Moreover, Spotrac projected that he could command $10 million annually, but offered a two-year, $19.9 million deal as an example of what the former 29th overall pick of the 2017 draft could land on the open market.
Njoku has missed at least one game every season of his career and has seen his production wane in each of the past two seasons following his Pro Bowl 2023 campaign.
Whether going from the Browns’ roster to the Broncos is the remedy is the question for Denver.
Over The Cap projects the Broncos will have $28.8 million in space this offseason before making any other moves. Whether spending heavily on another tight end, as opposed to keying on the position in the 2026 draft, is another decision the Broncos must weigh this offseason.
Broncos Country Raises Eyebrows Over David Njoku
GettyDavid Njoku #84 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after mandatory minicamp.
Njoku’s announcement drew plenty of attention, including raising eyebrows around Broncos Country, where multiple members of the local beat noted the potential fit.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens called Njoku a “name to keep an eye on.”
The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel posted, “I know a team that figures to be in the TE market,” in reaction to the news, underscoring a sentiment that was brewing all season, despite the Broncos’ efforts last spring.
The Broncos signed two-time Pro Bowler Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million contract in free agency during the 2025 offseason.
He finished the regular season as Denver’s third-leading receiver in yards, catches, and TDs.
Engram had 50 receptions for 461 yards and 1 touchdown on 76 targets, surpassing all of his 2024 marks but scoring grabs, which he tied. He appeared in 16 games, starting 2, splitting the TE1 role with incumbent Adam Trautman.
Trautman, who Broncos head coach Sean Payton drafted while in the same role with the New Orleans Saints, had a 20-195-1 line, starting 12 games.
He was one of 18 Broncos players to log double-digit starts this past season.
The Broncos could address looming roster holes at linebacker, upgrade their wide receiver room, or look to stabilize their backfield before turning to tight end. If they do look to bolster the position further, though, Njoku could make sense for the still tight-end-needy Broncos.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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