With David Njoku Departing, Who Are the Cleveland Browns’ Tight Ends Now?

The winds of change are blowing through the Berea facility. In a heartfelt Instagram post that resonated across the NFL landscape, veteran tight end David Njoku officially closed his chapter with the Cleveland Browns, declaring, “The time for me to find a new home has come.” After seven seasons of highlight-reel catches and unwavering passion, the departure of the 2017 first-round pick leaves a significant void in the Browns’ offensive arsenal. But in the NFL, the show must always go on. The critical question for General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski is now stark: With Njoku out, who are the other tight ends in Cleveland tasked with carrying the load?

This isn’t merely a depth chart inquiry; it’s a strategic puzzle central to the identity of Cleveland’s offense. Stefanski’s system has historically leaned heavily on multiple tight end sets, using them as run-game maulers, intermediate security blankets, and red-zone mismatches. Replacing Njoku’s unique blend of athleticism and experience won’t fall on one man’s shoulders, but on a collective. Let’s dive into the current roster and analyze the candidates poised to step into the spotlight.

The In-House Heir: Harrison Bryant’s Moment to Shine

With Njoku’s exit, the most immediate and logical candidate for an elevated role is fourth-year pro Harrison Bryant. A fourth-round pick in 2020, Bryant has operated as the TE2, flashing undeniable potential but seeking week-to-week consistency. His rookie season offered a promising glimpse, as he hauled in 24 catches for 238 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing soft hands and savvy route-running.

Bryant’s profile differs from Njoku’s. He is less of a sheer physical specimen and more of a nuanced, move-tight end who excels in finding soft spots in zone coverage. His blocking has improved incrementally, a necessity in Stefanski’s outside zone scheme. The 2023 season represents a contract year for Bryant, a powerful motivator. The Browns have invested developmental time in him, and the offense is already familiar. The opportunity is now his to seize as the primary pass-catching threat at the position. Can he make the leap from capable backup to every-down starter? The organization is betting on it, at least in the short term.

The Veteran Presence and the Blocking Specialist

While Bryant may handle the lion’s share of receiver duties, the Browns’ tight end room has been constructed with specific, complementary roles in mind. This is where two other names become crucial.

First is veteran Pharaoh Brown. Re-signed this offseason, Brown is the quintessential “Y” tight end. At 6-foot-6 and 258 pounds, he is an elite and physical in-line blocker. His value is immeasurable in the run game, where he can seal edges and create lanes for Nick Chubb and the rushing attack. He is a classic “glue guy” whose contributions won’t always show up on the stat sheet but are vital to offensive success. He will continue to be the hammer in multiple-TE sets and short-yardage situations.

The wild card in the room is Zaire Mitchell-Paden, an intriguing undrafted free agent from Florida Atlantic who spent 2022 on the practice squad. A massive human being at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Mitchell-Paden is a converted basketball player with raw, untapped potential. He is a developmental project with intriguing athleticism for his size. His path to contributing in 2023 likely hinges on special teams and continued refinement as a blocker, but he represents the type of high-upside stash that proactive franchises cultivate.

Strategic Analysis: How the Browns’ Offense Adapts

The loss of a player of Njoku’s caliber forces adaptation. Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt and Stefanski will need to adjust their play-calling tendencies. We can anticipate a few strategic shifts:

• Increased 11 Personnel: The Browns may lean slightly more into three-wide receiver sets (11 personnel) to maintain passing game potency, putting more on the shoulders of Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Elijah Moore.
• Role Specialization: The tight end duties will become more specialized. Bryant on passing downs, Pharaoh Brown as the sixth offensive lineman, and a potential new addition (see below) mixing in.
• Scheme Creativity: Look for more pre-snap motion and creative formations to create mismatches for Bryant, using his agility against slower linebackers.

However, the core philosophy won’t change. The Browns are built from the inside out, and the tight end position remains a cornerstone. The current group offers a blend of youth, veteran know-how, and raw talent, but it lacks a proven, dynamic playmaker.

Predictions and Potential Roster Moves

While confidence in Harrison Bryant is growing internally, it would be a surprise if the Browns stand completely pat. The NFL draft and the post-draft free agent market offer avenues for reinforcement.

The 2023 NFL Draft class is not considered deep at tight end, but a Day 3 selection on a player with specific traits—be it a dynamic athlete or a polished blocker—is a strong possibility. More likely is a foray into the veteran market. Several established names could be available for a short-term, cost-effective deal to provide competition and insurance. The Browns have cap space to maneuver and are in a clear “win-now” window. Adding a seasoned veteran to the room, creating a true competition with Bryant, would be a prudent football move that raises the floor of the entire unit.

Prediction: The Browns will add one more tight end before training camp, either a mid-level veteran free agent or a drafted rookie. The opening-week depth chart will feature Harrison Bryant as the nominal starter, but his snap count and role will be highly situational, with Pharaoh Brown playing a massive, under-the-radar role in the offense’s success.

Conclusion: A Collective Challenge in the Post-Njoku Era

David Njoku’s departure marks the end of an era in Cleveland. His athletic gifts and emotional leadership will be missed. However, NFL teams are built to withstand such changes. The answer to “who are the other tight ends in Cleveland?” reveals a committee approach, at least for now. Harrison Bryant has the first and best chance to redefine his career as a primary target. Pharaoh Brown will be the indispensable, unsung hero in the trenches. And Zaire Mitchell-Paden offers a glimpse of a potential future.

The success of this group won’t be measured by any single player matching Njoku’s statistical output. It will be measured by how effectively they, as a collective, execute their specialized roles within Kevin Stefanski’s system. Can they block with authority to fuel the league’s best rushing attack? Can they convert critical third downs? Can they be reliable in the red zone? The Browns’ offensive identity, and perhaps their playoff aspirations, hinge on the affirmative answers to these questions. The post-Njoku era begins not with a single star, but with a shared responsibility to uphold a standard.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.