CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns tight end David Njoku does not know what his future holds.

Standing at his locker on Monday at the Browns practice facility for possibly the last time, Njoku addressed his uncertain 2020 by making one thing clear: He’d like to remain a Brown.

“Of course," Njoku said. “I love it here in Cleveland. I do.”

“I’m going to leave this past season where it is, in the past. And go from there,” he said regarding his feelings about Kitchens’ firing and their relationship. “What happened yesterday happened and we have to move on from there.”

Njoku entered 2019 primed for a career year. His expectations -- both external and his own -- mirrored the overall hopes of the Browns offense. Then in Week 2, he broke his wrist when he was upended while leaping for a pass. He landed in a way that made him feel “lucky to be alive.”

Determined to play again and help his teammates compete for a playoff spot, Njoku said he rushed his rehab. When he returned, it was all for nothing. The former 2017 first-round pick played merely two games (Week 14 and Week 17), catching one pass for 4 yards, despite being healthy to return in Week 12 against Miami.

As the season neared its end, it became clear if Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens retained his position, Njoku would seek a change of scenery.

But Kitchens was fired Sunday night following the Browns’ 33-23 loss in Cincinnati, and now Njoku’s return in 2020 feels possible. He is under contract for 2020 but Cleveland must decide by May 3 if it will pick up his fifth-year option.

Even if Njoku does want to play in Cleveland next year, general manager John Dorsey must decide if keeping him around is worth it. In 2018, Njoku ranked 18th in drops with six. And what if his falling out with Kitchens is an extension of how Dorsey feels about Njoku?

Dorsey is scheduled to speak to the media Tuesday.

On Monday, Njoku spoke about change. He said someone he admires once told him “change is a good thing."

With so much focus on Kitchens, Njoku didn’t forget to mention the responsibility he has to himself to make this upcoming offseason his best yet. He knows he is not a complete product and vowed to make several necessary improvements in his game, though he would not get specific.

“The No. 1 thing is controlling the controllable. What do I need to do to become a better football player? That is exactly what I’m going to do,” he said. “I’m going to work my ass off and focus on what I need to do to better my game in every aspect.”

Navigating this season wasn’t easy for Njoku. He said he found some peace sharing conversations with his teammate and fellow former Kitchens dog house member Rashard Higgins, a receiver who also fell by the wayside after a promising third year.

Like Njoku, Higgins’ future in Cleveland is murky at best.

“We were going through similar situations of not getting playing time or as much playing time as we wanted," Njoku said. "We’d have talks and just make sure we were each good in our heads and spirits.”

It wasn’t just Higgins that Njoku found support from either. The Miami product also credited Browns fans for sticking behind him and their team despite such a disappointing season.

“(The fans) are very loyal,” he said. “I’ve been here through some rough times. Going 0-16 my first year was very difficult. They bring our spirits up.”

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