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Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry opened up on David Njoku’s goodbye message to the team
The Cleveland Browns have had a pretty busy start to the offseason, but it seems like the fun has only just begun for the team. With a new coaching staff, spearheaded by head coach Todd Monken, in place, the Browns will begin turning their attention to their roster, which is in serious need of upgrades, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
And yet, it seems like before Cleveland gets better, it will lose one of its longtime players in veteran tight end David Njoku. With free agency looming for Njoku, he recently penned a goodbye message to the Browns, indicating he does not plan on re-signing with the team. When asked about Njoku’s message, general manager Andrew Berry provided some interesting comments on the situation.
Andrew Berry Addresses David Njoku’s Future with the Browns
The Browns selected Njoku with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s spent his entire career to this point in Cleveland. While his production has varied over the course of his career, that’s largely been due to the inconsistent quarterback play he has received during his time with the team. At his best, Njoku is one of the top red zone threats in the league.
Njoku’s best season came in 2023, when he posted career-highs across the board (81 REC, 882 YDS, 6 TD) and earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. With the emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. as a rookie in 2025, though, Njoku’s role on offense was diminished significantly, and it became clear that Fannin would be the leader of the tight end room moving forward.
Earlier this month, Njoku penned a goodbye letter to Cleveland, seemingly confirming that he won’t be returning to the team in free agency. While Berry refused to completely rule out Njoku’s return, his comments on the situation seem to indicate that the Browns are well aware they won’t be reuniting with their longtime tight end this offseason.
“I think one of the most difficult things to do as an organization, certainly as a general manager, is when you realize there’s a possibility that a professional relationship has run its course with a long-tenured player who has done a lot for the organization, and you’ve developed a personal relationship with,” Berry said when speaking to reporters at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine. If David is not back, he’ll be a Brown for life.”
Should the Browns Re-Sign David Njoku?
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before the start of the Browns and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
At this stage of the game, it isn’t really a matter of whether or not the Browns should re-sign Njoku. While the front office likely would be happy to re-sign him to a cheap contract, Njoku likely doesn’t want to play second fiddle to Fannin at tight end moving forward. He’s still only turning 30 years old in July, meaning that he should still be a valuable playmaker for other teams in free agency.
With Njoku seeking a bigger role, it doesn’t really make any sense for Cleveland to pursue him. Fannin looks like a star in the making, and there are several other areas of need that the Browns must address this offseason. Losing Njoku would hurt, given his history with the franchise, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes in the NFL.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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