The Cleveland Browns have made a big roster move.
The Cleveland Browns announced a big roster move on Monday.
Cleveland has re-signed TE Blake Whiteheart.
The 26-year-old Whiteheart appeared in all 17 games for the Browns last season. He had two catches for four yards. In his two seasons with the Browns, Whiteheart has caught eight balls for 55 yards and one touchdown.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, Whiteheart appeared in two games for Arizona during the 2023 season.
Whiteheart could be used more on offense next season since David Njoku is gone. Njoku announced on IG that he will not re-sign with the Browns this offseason. The veteran TE is an unrestricted free agent.
"Cleveland, first off I love you," Njoku wrote on IG. "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."
The Browns selected Njoku with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Miami. Njoku appeared in 118 games with Cleveland. He caught 384 balls for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Cleveland made the playoffs twice in the Njoku era. The 29-year-old made the Pro Bowl in the 2023 season. He had 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns that campaign.
The Browns went 44-73-1 in the Njoku era. Njoku had 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Cleveland is in deep rebuild mode. Njoku is better suited to play for a playoff contender at this stage of his career. It will be fascinating to see what teams show interest in Njoku once free agency starts.
Cleveland went 5-12 last season and finished in last place in the AFC North. Two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski was fired and joined the Atlanta Falcons.
After firing Stefanski, the Browns hired Todd Monken.
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