Last week I took a look at the running backs on the Browns roster. Today we will take a look at another position group that was led by a rookie in 2025, the tight ends.
Harold Fanin Jr was a third round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by way of Bowling Green. He led the Browns in receptions with 72, which was second among rookies. He also finished with 731 receiving yards, fourth among rookies. Fannin Jr should be on the short list for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Fannin Jr really excelled at running after the catch, where he accrued almost half his yards. He became a favorite target of Shedeur Sanders on outs and crossing routes. He is definitely the future of the position and a player the Browns can build around.
David Njoku, one of the longest tenured players on the roster, had a down season in 2025. He finished with 33 receptions, 293 yards and four touchdowns. He missed four games due to injury and played his lowest number of snaps since 2020 when he was Austin Hooper’s backup. He is a free agent this March and will turn 30 in July. While the Browns fans would certainly love for Njoku to return, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him sign elsewhere. With the recent hiring of former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, the Falcons could be a destination. Kevin Stefanski loved to use 12 personnel sets. The Browns next coach may not, leading him to place less importance on a backup tight end.
Outside of Njoku and Fannin Jr, the contributions in the tight end room were limited. Blake Whiteheart finished with two catches for four yards. He is a 2026 restricted free agent. Brendan Bates finished with four catches for 48 yards after being claimed off the Texans practice squad. He is an exclusive rights free agent, and could be resigned. Sal Cannella caught two passes for 11 yards after being signed before the Steelers game. He was signed to a futures contract and will have a chance to make the roster in training camp.
Behind Fannin Jr the Browns could go in any number of directions. As I stated in previous articles it will probably depend on who the Browns next coach and offensive coordinator is. Regardless, the Browns will probably need to acquire a quality backup behind Fannin.
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