Ravens Meet with David Njoku Amid Tight End Shake-Up

The Baltimore Ravens are exploring options to reinforce their tight end corps as they prepare for the 2026 free agency period. With key departures creating openings, the team welcomed David Njoku—formerly of the Cleveland Browns—for a visit on Monday, signaling a potential addition for star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Njoku spent nine seasons with Cleveland after being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. While he has shown flashes of high-level play, injuries have limited his availability over the past two seasons, causing some teams to hesitate in free agency.

Baltimore already re-signed top tight end Mark Andrews, but losses of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar left a key role open behind him. Njoku could fill that secondary tight end spot, providing both receiving and blocking options for the Ravens’ offense.

The visit is one of several potential discussions for Njoku, who may be weighing multiple opportunities, but the alignment between his skill set and Baltimore’s current roster needs has drawn significant attention from analysts and team insiders.

1. Ravens’ Tight End Situation

The departures of Likely and Kolar have left a noticeable gap in the Ravens’ tight end depth chart. While Mark Andrews anchors the group as the primary receiving threat, Baltimore needs a reliable second option to maintain versatility in both the passing and running game. Durham Smythe was signed to provide coverage for Kolar’s absence, but the Ravens are exploring higher-profile options to solidify the rotation. Adding a player like Njoku would give head coach and offensive staff more flexibility in formations and situational play-calling. Njoku’s experience in Cleveland offers both blocking proficiency and pass-catching ability, making him an attractive candidate for a team looking to balance its offense. His size and athleticism could complement Andrews, giving defenses another matchup problem to contend with. With the AFC North becoming increasingly competitive, maintaining depth at tight end is critical for Baltimore’s postseason aspirations. A veteran addition could help sustain offensive efficiency throughout a long season.

2. David Njoku’s Career and Fit

Njoku’s tenure with the Browns has been marked by flashes of talent overshadowed by injuries. Over the past two seasons, he missed 11 games, limiting his overall contributions but leaving a strong impression on those who have evaluated his skill set. The 29-year-old tight end has the physical tools to thrive in Baltimore’s system, which often utilizes multiple tight end sets and relies on athletic, versatile players to support Lamar Jackson. His ability to stretch the field and contribute in blocking schemes aligns with the Ravens’ offensive philosophy. Analysts like Bill Barnwell have highlighted Baltimore as a logical landing spot for Njoku, noting that he could essentially step into the role vacated by Likely as the secondary tight end. This would allow Andrews to remain the primary focal point while giving the offense another reliable target in the red zone and on intermediate routes. While nothing is finalized, the visit underscores Baltimore’s interest in pairing experience with its young roster to remain competitive in the division and strengthen depth across key positions.

3. Next Steps and Potential Impact

It remains uncertain whether Njoku will sign with Baltimore or continue exploring other opportunities across the league. Free-agent tight ends with his versatility are in demand, and several teams may still express interest before the market stabilizes. Should Njoku join the Ravens, his presence would immediately bolster a position weakened by offseason departures. He could provide Jackson with more consistent options in passing situations while also contributing to the running game as a blocker. Beyond on-field performance, Njoku’s experience in the NFL could be valuable for mentoring younger players within the tight end room, helping the Ravens maintain continuity and develop talent for future seasons. With the 2026 season approaching, adding a veteran like Njoku could signal Baltimore’s commitment to maintaining a balanced offense while preparing for potential playoff challenges in a competitive AFC North.