Browns roster: QB isn’t the only crucial position battle this offseason
Getting the tight end position figured out is incredibly important heading into 2026.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 16: Blake Whiteheart #86 of the Cleveland Browns waits for the snap on a field goal attempt during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on November 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images Though there are plenty of other position groups in limbo this offseason, perhaps the most overlooked one is tight end. With David Njoku leaving this offseason and Todd Monken coming in, figuring out who TE2 will be heading into 2026 is likely a top priority for the offensive staff.
Everyone knows how talented Harold Fannin Jr. is, especially after the catch. What we don’t know is how guys like Blake Whiteheart , Jack Stoll , Joe Royer , and Carsen Ryan would handle a legitimate number of snaps in 2026 alongside Fannin Jr.
in 12 and 13 personnel formations. Whiteheart has only played 452 offensive snaps for Cleveland over the past two years, but he’s looked surprisingly good when on the field as both a blocker and pass-catcher. Though the free agent acquisition of blocking tight end Jack Stoll overshadowed the thought of Whiteheart being a legitimate option at TE2, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Whiteheart be a realistic option by the time week one comes around.
2nd year TE Blake Whiteheart has been impressive Signed to the #Browns PS on 8/29 & elevated wk 2 Caught all of his 1st 3 career targets on sunday scoring his 1st TD 73. 5 PFF run block grade (8th among TEs) Watch him see Watsons scramble & sit in the zone-high IQ #DawgPound pic. twitter.