Tight end has a rich history in Cleveland. Some of the most recognizable players in franchise history lined up at that position, and their numbers have set the standard for anyone who followed. Breaking into that company usually takes years of production. One young Browns tight end has done it in less than 2 seasons.
The accompanying graphic listed the most receptions by a Browns tight end in his first 2 seasons, with Harold Fannin Jr. at the top with 97 catches in 2025 and 2026, ahead of Ozzie Newsome with 93 in 1978 and 1979 and David Njoku with 88 in 2017 and 2018.
Harold Fannin setting records 👏 pic.twitter.com/xBCLZSV2GM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 26, 2026
Passing Newsome says plenty. The Hall of Famer spent his entire 13-year career with the Browns and is considered one of the best tight ends ever to play the game. Fannin is now ahead of his early-career pace with 10 games still left in his 2nd season.
Njoku’s place on the list adds to it. He was a 1st-round pick in 2017, while the Browns found Fannin in the 3rd round in 2025 after he led the nation in receiving yards in his final season at Bowling Green.
Fannin’s latest game showed why he keeps climbing. He caught 6 passes for 91 yards in Sunday’s 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans, including a catch-and-run late in the 4th quarter that set up Andre Szmyt’s game-winning field goal.
He has made big plays all season. Fannin caught 2 touchdowns in the win over the Carolina Panthers, including the go-ahead score in the final 2 minutes, and added another against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His versatility is what makes him so valuable. Fannin can line up in the slot, out wide or next to the tackle, and he creates matchup problems for linebackers and safeties.
Fannin is also part of a young group that is changing the outlook for this offense. Along with Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion and Quinshon Judkins, he gives the Browns 4 offensive building blocks from their last 2 draft classes.
With 10 games left, Fannin has a chance to put this record well out of reach. His next opportunity comes in Pittsburgh, where he scored in the first meeting, and another big game there would help the Browns take control of the AFC North.
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