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Shedeur Sanders, Browns Dealt Bad News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 9:01 PM ET

Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns did not have the 2025 NFL season they were hoping for, finishing the year with a 5-12 record and missing out on the playoffs for the second-straight year. On the bright side, the Browns finished out 2025 on a two-game winning streak, building momentum for the 2026 season.

Over the first half of the season, Sanders didn't see much action with Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel ahead of him in the depth chart. But after Cleveland began the year with a 2-8 record, they elected to start the former Colorado quarterback over the last seven games.

Sanders helped Cleveland secure a 3-4 record in those matchups, earning a Pro Bowl nod after completing 120-of-212 passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, adding another 169 yards and a score on the ground. But in 2026, his second year in the NFL, Sanders will be without a key piece.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12)Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

David Njoku was selected by the Browns with the No. 29 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft after a three-year college career at Miami. The tight end has been a consistent presence in Cleveland over the past nine seasons, totaling 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns.

But during the second half of the 2025 season, Njoku dealt with a knee injury that forced him to miss the final four games, opening the door for rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to take on a larger role in the Browns’ offense. And after the season, Njoku’s four-year, $54.75 million contract expired, making him a free agent.

On Monday, Njoku confirmed it was time for a change, announcing he would not return to Cleveland for a 10th season, leaving Sanders and the Browns without a key offensive weapon heading into the 2026 season and beyond.

"Cleveland, first off I love you," Njoku wrote on Instagram. "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"

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Njoku’s exit is not great news for Sanders or the Browns, as the veteran tight end served as a trusted pass-catcher and key red-zone target while building chemistry with the rookie quarterback. Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Njoku still provided a veteran presence that helped Sanders stay composed in high-pressure situations.

With Njoku gone, Fannin Jr. is now in line to continue as the team’s top tight end. But even with a promising rookie year, the rookie remains far less proven, creating a drop-off in experience and consistency. And the change also thins Cleveland's passing options, potentially impacting Sanders in 2026 as he continues to develop.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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