Feb. 10, 2026, 11:59 a.m. CT

The Houston Texans could be interested in upgrading their tight end room this offseason.

Could Cleveland Browns veteran David Njoku be a legitimate option?

Njoku, who has spent nine seasons with the AFC North franchise, announced on Monday night via Instagram that he would not return to Cleveland in 2026. The former first-round pick out of Miami made it clear that for the first time in his career, he would test free agency.

“The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart,” Njoku wrote. “The City of Cleveland will forever be home.”

Leaving Cleveland seemed to be expected after the Browns struck gold on rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Njoku, 29, has also been at the subject of trade rumors for years, including this season before the deadline. Without a deal in place, he remained in Cleveland for the rest of the 2025 season.

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One of the best tight ends in franchise history, Njoku ranks second in touchdown catches (34) and receptions (384) for a tight end, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome. Injuries have derailed his career the past two years, but his production also dipped last season as a No. 2 option, finishing with 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns.

Njoku will probably try to sign with a different team that will allow him to remain the top threat, but he also could be looking for a title. The Texans have a built-ready roster to compete for a run toward the Super Bowl and want to add more targets around Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The only problem with landing Njoku as the full-time starter would be the position of Dalton Schultz. After a breakout third year with the Texans, Houston’s veteran tight end seems likely more inclined for an increase in salary and reps than a demotion to tight end No. 2.

Houston should inquire about Njoku’s status, but given his chance on hitting the market for a payday, that seems unlikely for now. Still, anything is possible with the right