Fant could provide a dynamic vertical element to pair with Harold Fannin Jr., aligning with the Monken-era tight end profile: a player who excels in space and can stretch the field. At 28, he’s entering his athletic prime and could come with a manageable cap hit—around $3.22 million—making him a practical upgrade for the passing game.
Still, Fant arrives with caveats. His hands can be inconsistent, and he fumbled three times in the 2025 season. He finished last year with 34 receptions for 288 yards and 3 touchdowns, a solid but not elite stat line that would serve as a backup option behind a now-starting Fannin Jr.
Njoku’s departure marks a shift after nine seasons with the Browns. The former first-round pick, selected in 2017, posted 33 receptions for 293 yards and 4 touchdowns last season and shared his gratitude with Cleveland in an Instagram farewell, signaling a new chapter elsewhere.
Cleveland’s coaching overhaul centers on Todd Monken, hired for his offensive acumen. General Manager Andrew Berry stressed that the search wasn’t strictly for an offensive-minded coach, noting that several thoughtful defensive coaches also contribute to high-powered offenses. The Browns hope Monken can help push the offense forward in 2026 and beyond.
In terms of fit, Fant could serve as a reliable secondary option on clear passing downs while Fannin Jr. remains the starter. The move would be cap-conscious and address depth at a position that has drawn free-agent links to Ravens tight ends as teams reassess the market.
Overall, the Browns are positioning to rebuild their offense around Monken while upgrading the tight end depth chart, signaling a serious push to improve in 2026. This summary draws from reporting at Heavy Sports and related coverage, with additional context from Sporting News.
