David Njoku
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 12: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns runs against Deshon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter in the game at Acrisure Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Miami Dolphins may be hampered financially this offseason, but that does not mean that they can’t take big risks in free agency. What with several key players hitting free agency, they need to act fast in order to build the team in the image of the new regime. One of the positions that could be targeted is tight end, where Darren Waller is a free agent. According to Sports Illustrated, a tight end with Miami ties could be a capable option to replace him.
David Njoku, who spent his college days at the University of Miami, could be available on the cheap for the Dolphins and provide an offensive spark should Waller leave in free agency. Michael Fabiano writes, “The Dolphins’ offense will have a brand-new look next season, with a new quarterback (most reports suggest Malik Willis) at the helm. The team also needs pass catchers, as Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine were released, and Darren Waller is a free agent. That opens plenty of targets in the passing attack for a player like Njoku, who would certainly become a popular target for the eventual new No. 1 quarterback”.
A Familiar Face With Offensive Upside
For Njoku, that could end up being a much better situation than the Browns, who also have their more pressing QB questions and a lot more to think about in free agency than Miami. According to Spotrac, the 30 year old would only cost 10 million dollars annually as well, which could alleviate the Dolphins’ financial decisions as they test the market.
Still, one more question arises about whether or not it would make sense should the Dolphins wish to pursue a QB. With them to be rumored going after Malik Willis, they may not have the money to spend on other positions. Plus, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is not known to be a big spender, as evidenced by his time in Green Bay.
If anything, the Dolphins could look to the draft for their new tight end of the future. They could also choose to re-sign the options they have in house, such as Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill.
Financial Questions Still Loom
The bottom line for the Dolphins is that they are thinking as rebuilders rather than a franchise who has stability. For Njoku, having spent the entirety of his career with the Browns, he may want to go to a place with more infrastructure surrounding him and most importantly, that can pay a premium salary to close out his career.
The Dolphins on the other hand, may be better off trying to find a way out of Tua’s contract and potentially go after someone like Malik Willis in free agency. For now, they are far too hampered with other issues to think about signing someone of David Njoku’s caliber.
However, should certain teams shy away from Njoku for whatever reason, don’t be surprised of the Dolphins aren’t there ready to pounce. Because a move for a player like Njoku could be the building block they need to kickstart a new era of Miami Dolphins football.