The Kansas City Chiefs' future at tight end is incredibly up in the air as Travis Kelce still hasn't announced a retirement decision, and backup Noah Gray had an awful 2025 season.
However, one potential stabilizing option has emerged in David Njoku announcing his departure from the Cleveland Browns. Njoku wished Cleveland goodbye ahead of free agency, seemingly signaling a lack of interest in returning to the franchise. It is hard to blame the talented pass catcher, who has dealt with consistent offensive ineptitude and a revolving door of starting quarterbacks throughout his career.
Njoku's time in Cleveland has been defined by quarterback frustrations with DeShone Kizer, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, Tyrod Taylor, Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, P.J. Walker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Jeff Driskel, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all starting during the pass catcher's tenure. This helps paint a clear picture of why the productive tight end wants to find a new landing spot, something that could ultimately push Njoku to Kansas City.
The veteran tight end has never played with a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. This would drastically change his ceiling and offer the Chiefs a needed backup plan. Whether Kelce opts to walk away or returns, Kansas City is putting itself in a position to have an answer that Mahomes has so badly needed, as Kelce is obviously starting to show his age.
Chiefs Are Clear Landing Spot for David Njoku After TE Signals Cleveland Exit
Njoku serves two purposes as a potential signing: either as an instant backup tight end upgrade or serving as the franchise's path to replace Kelce. In either scenario, it would be additional production that is much-needed, with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy both coming off frustrating 2025 seasons. Despite his age and the offense attempting to create consistent opportunities for both Rice and Worthy, Kelce was Kansas City's leading receiver.
This reinforces one of the reasons why a partnership between the two sides makes sense. Njoku will cost less than signing a top free agent receiver, while offering very similar upside. The veteran's best recent season came in 2023 when he had 883 receiving yards and six touchdowns. It is the exact type of presence Mahomes so badly needs from his current playmakers.
It has also been clear throughout Mahomes' career that the quarterback tends to give his tight ends chances to make plays. Even if Kelce returns as fans hope, Njoku won't have any issue garnering targets in a secondary role. The move makes far too much sense not to explore and should be near the top of the team's offseason priorities.