One preseason game and one joint practice into the 2026 NFL season preparation, and the Cleveland Browns have plenty to sort out beyond the starting quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. 

The tight end position behind Harold Fannin Jr. stands out as a real area of worry for the Browns heading into the regular season.

Cleveland let David Njoku walk in free agency by signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Browns felt comfortable making that move because of what they saw from Fannin during his rookie season, when he led the team in receiving with over 700 yards. 

The problem is that the Browns don’t have anyone solidified behind Fannin, and they’re going to need multiple tight ends who can play to get through a full season.

Absences and injuries have thinned the Browns depth chart

Rookie tight end Joe Royer has been away from the team for personal reasons and hasn’t been around all of training camp. There hasn’t been much information made available on what’s going on there. On top of that, the Browns recently placed free agent acquisition Jack Stoll on injured reserve, cutting further into their depth at the position.

Browns head coach Todd Monken commented on the depth problems at tight end and didn’t sugarcoat the situation.

“It’s a concern,” Monken admitted. “With all the injuries we’ve had trying to develop some guys, it’s a concern. I don’t think where we are now is where we’ll be when we start the season, but I’ve been really pleased with Harold and Blake (Whiteheart), and Carsen’s (Ryan) come a long way. I think we get Mike (Michael Burton) back at fullback here in a week, and I think that’ll help.”

Who can fill the void for the Browns right now?

Cleveland is expected to get fullback Michael Burton back soon, and his return would give the Browns another capable tight end-type body in their formations. The Browns have also been relying on Blake Whiteheart and rookie seventh-round pick Carsen Ryan to provide snaps at tight end. Both have a chance to make the roster and offer depth for Cleveland.

Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Browns end up signing a tight end who is currently available on the open market, or if they find one on cutdown day from another team. Either way, the Browns aren’t happy with where they stand at tight end right now behind Fannin, and it’s easy to see why.