Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or David Njoku

Friday, January 2, 12:55 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (groin) will be placed on Injured Reserve on Friday, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. Waller will miss the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. The 33-year-old veteran came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins in 2025 and will finish with 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns in only nine games played. Waller got a late start to the season as he worked his way into playing shape and also missed time with a hamstring injury. He was not the same player he was earlier in his career with the Raiders, but Waller still had plenty of red-zone prowess in his return this year. It remains to be seen if he'll attempt to return in 2026 with Miami or another organization. Greg Dulcich should be the Dolphins' top pass-catching TE in Week 18.

Sunday, January 4, 8:44 PM

Following Sunday's Week 18 win, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he wants to re-sign with the team during the upcoming offseason. However, he acknowledges that it's not entirely his decision. When asked if he wanted to return to Cleveland, Njoku said, "I do, but it's not up to me." The 29-year-old missed the final four games of the regular season due to a knee injury, bringing his final 2025 stat line to just 33 catches, 293 yards, and four touchdowns. Statistically, it was his worst season since 2020, but he still made an impact as a blocker and receiver as the Browns' offense endured quarterback turmoil. For the first time in several years, Njoku also experienced major competition at the tight end position. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as one of Cleveland's top playmakers, and he figures to remain the Browns' top tight end for 2026. Therefore, if Njoku does re-sign with Cleveland, he'll likely take a pay cut to operate as the backup behind Fannin. He should have a competitive market in free agency with plenty of teams in need of tight end additions.