The Cleveland Browns are searching for a suitable replacement for departed tight end David Njoku, and several players are vying for the spot. The team has faith in rookie tight end Harold Fannin, who had an impressive 731 yards receiving in his rookie season.
Harold Fannin is expected to be a big-time weapon for the Browns' offense. As a rookie, he showed a nice mix of acrobatic catches and the strength to generate yards after the catch that didn't seem like they were even there. However, to grow his game over time, he'll need to be a better in-line blocking tight end, a skill that took Njoku a few years to develop.
The Browns' tight end position is wide open after Njoku's departure. Fannin is the only tight end on the roster that the team has confidence in. The team's fullback candidates, such as Carsen Ryan, are also being considered for the tight end role.
Blake Whiteheart, a backup tight end, was an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 but didn't make their roster. He was added by the Browns and spent time on the practice squad before becoming a backup tight end in 2025. Whiteheart had 8 catches for 55 yards and 1 touchdown last season, but his role in the team's offense is uncertain.
Jack Stoll, a 28-year-old tight end, has been relied on as a blocking tight end in his previous teams. He is not much of a receiving tight end, but the Browns expect him to fill the same void in Cleveland. Stoll was a Top-15 pass blocking tight end in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Browns also drafted two tight ends in this year's draft, Joe Royer and Carsen Ryan. Royer is expected to make his mark as a receiver, not a blocker, while Ryan is a versatile tight end who can play both receiver and blocker. The Browns are looking for a suitable replacement for Njoku, and it remains to be seen which of these players will fill the void.
The Browns' tight end position is a key area of concern for the team, and several players are vying for the spot. The team's training camp will provide valuable insight into who will emerge as the top tight end.
Source: Yahoo Sports