As the calendar flips toward May, the NFL free agency market has largely settled—except for one name that has fans scratching their heads: David Njoku.

The veteran tight end remains unsigned after his tenure with the Cleveland Browns came to a close, and the silence is puzzling. At 29 years old, Njoku is still in his prime, and his combination of size and athleticism has made him a proven weapon in the passing game. Yet, as most free agents have already found new homes, Njoku is still waiting.

So, what’s the holdup?

Injuries have been a recurring issue, and that likely gives teams pause. His 2025 season was also a step back statistically, but context matters. The Browns leaned heavily on rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and the quarterback play in Cleveland was erratic at best. It’s hard to pin Njoku’s dip in production entirely on him.

Meanwhile, the NFL is trending toward using more tight ends than ever. “12” personnel (two tight ends, one running back) is a staple, and “13” personnel is becoming more common. That shift should work in Njoku’s favor, not against it.

Some speculate that Njoku may be weighing multiple offers, holding out for the perfect fit. Others wonder if he’s simply waiting for training camp injuries to open up roster spots. Either way, the patience required is unusual for a player of his caliber.

For now, the football world watches and waits. A player with Njoku’s skill set doesn’t stay on the market forever—and when he does land, it could be a game-changing addition for a team in need of a reliable tight end.