Nick Shook of NFL.com made his prediction clear. He sees veteran tight end David Njoku eventually landing with the Baltimore Ravens before the 2026 NFL season.
But that’s not where Shook sees Njoku as the best fit. On Wednesday, the NFL.com writer called the Miami Dolphins the best landing spot for the veteran playmaker.
“The Dolphins are rebuilding rapidly, and they are the most difficult team to project entering 2026, but there is one successful move from 2025 that new lever-pullers Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan can try to emulate,” Shook wrote. “Fresh out of retirement, tight end Darren Waller spent multiple outings serving as Miami’s primary source of offense last season.
“Njoku is a less reliable pass-catcher than Waller but is good for similar highlight-reel plays. He has yet to find a home in free agency but carries value for a team seeking an end-zone pillar. Who better than the Dolphins, whose new QB1 (Malik Willis) has just six NFL starts under his belt?”
Njoku has spent his entire NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. His best statistical season occurred in 2023 when he had 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns.
During 2023, Njoku made the Pro Bowl.
The Browns selected the tight end at No. 29 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. According to Spotrac, he has earned about $70.2 million during his NFL career.
Why TE David Njoku Could Fit With Dolphins
Njoku doesn’t come without risk. He hasn’t played more than 12 games in each of the past two seasons because of knee problems.
That fact and his looming 30th birthday in July are likely reasons why Njoku remains unsigned in NFL free agency.
But on a short contract, Njoku’s risk could be minimal. The reward, though, could be high.
During his last healthy season, Njoku reached the Pro Bowl. The veteran tight end also has eclipsed the 600-yard mark in two other campaigns.
Last season, he had 33 receptions, 293 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 12 games.
The Dolphins could use a playmaker with Njoku’s potential after losing their top two receivers this offseason. First, Miami released former All-Pro Tyreek Hill. Then Tuesday, the Dolphins traded wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for draft capital, including a first-rounder.
Njoku could ensure the Dolphins have at least one veteran playmaker for new starting quarterback Malik Willis.
Spotrac projected the tight end to be worth about $19.98 million on a 2-year contract this offseason.
Dolphins TE Depth in 2026 NFL Offseason
From a money perspective, Miami hasn’t made any other significant free agent signings besides Willis this offseason. But receivers Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell could be key for the Dolphins, as they try to replace Hill and Waddle in 2026.
At tight end, the Dolphins signed Ben Sims, who will likely replace veteran tight end Julian Hill. Miami lost Hill to one of their division rivals, the New England Patriots, in free agency.
Sims is projected to compete with veteran Greg Dulcich for snaps. But the Dolphins could use a bigger pass-catcher at the position, which is why Njoku could be such a great fit.
In nine NFL seasons, Njoku has posted 384 receptions, 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dolphins Urged to Pursue $70 Million Playmaker appeared first on Heavy Sports.