David Njoku signals Browns exit in 2026, says it’s time to "find a new home"

David Njoku confirmed Monday that his nine-year run with Cleveland is over, choosing free agency and signaling a personal reset after nearly a decade in one uniform. His message arrived quietly on Instagram, but its meaning was loud.

Njoku is leaving the franchise that drafted him, developed him and watched him grow into a Pro Bowl talent.This is not a breakup built on bitterness. It is shaped by timing, health and change inside the organization. Cleveland is entering another transition phase, and Njoku, now 29, is choosing control over comfort. For a player who has endured injuries, coaching shifts and evolving roles, the decision feels measured rather than emotional.

David Njoku confirms Browns exit plans, setting stage for big 2026 free-agency move

The story of David Njoku in Cleveland is layered. Drafted in the first round in 2017, he arrived as raw talent with elite athletic tools. Over nine seasons, he produced 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns, numbers that reflect consistency more than flash. His peak came in 2023, when he earned a Pro Bowl selection after posting 882 yards and six scores, becoming a reliable mismatch in the Browns offense.The past two seasons, however, told a different story. Injuries limited Njoku to 11 games in 2024 and 12 in 2025.

This past season ended with just 293 yards and four touchdowns, his lowest output since 2020. Availability, not ability, became the defining issue.

Still, Njoku’s final moments in brown and orange carried symbolism. His last on-field act was crowning Myles Garrett after the defensive star set the NFL single season sack record in the finale against Cincinnati. It was a quiet acknowledgment of brotherhood and legacy.In his farewell post, Njoku wrote, “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. 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❤️ #ChiefOut”Former head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was dismissed shortly after the season, once described their relationship with honesty and respect. “He and I have a very unique relationship. He thinks I didn't like him when I first got here, which is not true. I just told him the truth and he didn't like that,” Stefanski said. “But to watch him mature and become a leader, the energy he brings in the building, the unbelievable plays that he's made over the years.

… I think the world of the person. Obviously disappointed for this season and the injuries, but I think very highly of the person.”Stefanski’s exit may have influenced Njoku’s decision. So might the desire to chase a championship window while his body still allows it. After the Bengals game, Njoku admitted, “I do, but it’s not up to me,” when asked about returning. Now, it is up to him. And this time, he chose change.