A significant domino has fallen in the NFL’s upcoming free agency frenzy, directly impacting the Miami Dolphins’ strategic options. Veteran tight end David Njoku has publicly declared he will not re-sign with the Cleveland Browns, hitting the open market and creating a ripple effect that could benefit Miami.
The 2017 first-round pick, who played his collegiate football at the University of Miami, announced his departure via a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday night. Njoku’s decision, while not entirely unexpected given the emergence of rookie standout Harold Fannon Jr. in Cleveland, was notable for its timing and public nature so far ahead of the new league year.
Njoku, 29, brings a proven track record to free agency, having amassed over 4,000 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns in his career while earning a Pro Bowl nod just a few seasons ago. His connection to South Florida and his physical profile at 6’4″ and 246 pounds make him an immediately intriguing name for the Dolphins. However, a deeper analysis reveals a player potentially on the decline.
Advanced metrics from the past season paint a concerning picture for any team considering a major investment. Njoku ranked near the bottom of the league among qualifying tight ends in key efficiency statistics, including yards per route run, target separation, and EPA added. His raw production also dipped, which analysts attribute partly to Fannon’s ascendance and inconsistent quarterback play in Cleveland.
The financial aspect further complicates a potential Miami pursuit. Spotrac projects a market value for Njoku around $10 million per season on a multi-year deal. The Dolphins, operating with severe salary cap constraints, are unlikely to have more than one significant expenditure of that magnitude this offseason. Committing such resources to an aging player at a non-premium position appears a questionable allocation of scarce funds.
This is where Njoku’s early announcement transforms into an indirect gift for General Manager Grier and the Dolphins’ front office. His entry into the market satisfies one team’s desire for a veteran tight end, potentially thinning the competition for other, younger targets Miami may covet. The focus now shifts to a more promising tier of free-agent tight ends all entering their prime.
The core group includes Kyle Pitts, Noah Fant, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and Isaiah Likely—each approximately 25 or 26 years old. These players represent a more sustainable building block for a franchise simultaneously navigating a quarterback search. Investing in a young, dynamic tight end is widely considered a strategic move to support a future quarterback, providing a reliable safety valve and a vertical threat.
Should Miami opt against a splash in free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a strong tight end class. Prospects like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq and Iowa’s Max Klare headline a deep group that could yield a long-term solution in the early rounds. This path would allow the Dolphins to re-sign incumbent Greg Dulcich for continuity while drafting his eventual successor.
Njoku’s availability will generate headlines and fan speculation due to his local ties, but the smarter play for Miami lies in leveraging his move to their advantage. By allowing another team to absorb the cost and risk associated with Njoku, the Dolphins can concentrate their limited capital on a younger free agent or a high-potential draft pick, strategically addressing the tight end position for the future. The early market movement has provided clarity, and Miami’s front office must now execute a plan that looks beyond sentiment toward sustained roster construction.
