Even before the 2026 NFL season started, it looked like Harold Fannin Jr. was already falling victim to the dreaded “sophomore slump.” After the tight end led the Cleveland Browns in every major receiving category as a rookie, he fought his way through spring workouts and training camp, and it seemed like that was catching up to him in recent weeks.
In games against the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, Fannin managed just one reception in each, after he never had fewer than two in any of his NFL appearances. But his production has rebounded in a big way lately.
After posting 16 catches combined in games against the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns tight end has cracked a notable top-five list, ranking among the best at his position in receptions for the season.
“Most catches among TE so far this season: Trey McBride – 66, Brock Bowers – 41, Isaiah Likely – 41, Michael Mayer – 36, Harold Fannin Jr. – 35, Tucker Kraft – 35,” PFF posted.
Most catches among TE so far this season
Trey McBride 66
Brock Bowers 41
Isaiah Likely 41
Michael Mayer 36
Harold Fannin Jr. 35
Tucker Kraft 35 pic.twitter.com/lxdHX6HVl0— PFF (@PFF) November 2, 2026
With Deshaun Watson taking over at quarterback, Fannin had been overshadowed by rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion in the Browns’ passing game. But with 21 targets in his past two games, Fannin now leads the team in receptions, yards, and TD catches, just like he did last year, when Cleveland’s wide receiver group was one of the worst in the league.
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Fannin was selected as the eventual replacement for veteran tight end David Njoku. But that happened more quickly than anyone expected, and Fannin went on to make 72 receptions for 731 yards and six TDs, which all ranked eighth among NFL tight ends.
Now 22 years old, Fannin is looking to improve on those numbers across the board. His 10 catches for 154 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday were both career highs, and in his past two games, he has posted his best yards-per-catch averages.
He has also come through in the clutch, with his 36-yard catch-and-run setting up the game-winning field goal against Tennessee. He earlier caught the game-winning TD in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers.
So, back on track and building chemistry with Watson, even bigger things should be in store for Fannin over the rest of his second campaign.
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