Who Should I Start? David Njoku or Brock Bowers

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.

Wednesday, December 24, 11:30 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Pelissero notes that Bowers has been battling a lingering knee injury since Week 1, and the 2-13 Raiders are now focused on making sure their star tight end is fully healthy for 2026. Across 12 games this season, the 23-year-old recorded 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets. With Bowers sidelined, Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is likely in line for a spike in both playing time and target share. Across a two-game stretch in Weeks 6 and 7 with Bowers inactive, Mayer recorded six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. For fantasy managers now left scrambling to fill the tight end position, Mayer could be a solid streamer in Week 17 against the New York Giants.