The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with tight end David Njoku on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million Monday morning, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, ending one of the more puzzling free agency droughts of the offseason.
Njoku visited the Chargers facility last week following the NFL Draft, and the two sides clearly liked what they saw.
The signing ends a nine-year run with the Browns that produced 384 catches, 4,062 yards, and 34 touchdowns, making Njoku second in franchise history at the position in both receptions and touchdowns behind Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.
What the Chargers Are Getting
Njoku at his peak is a legitimate weapon in the middle of the field, a 6-foot-4 athlete with the speed to stretch seams and the size to win contested catches against linebackers and safeties.
His 2023 Pro Bowl season produced 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns. The last two seasons told a different story.
Injuries limited him to 12 games in 2025, and Harold Fannin Jr.'s emergence as a rookie meant Njoku finished the year with just 33 catches for 293 yards and four scores, the lowest output of his career since 2020.
Sources: The #Chargers have agreed to terms with former #Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2026
After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert in a deal done by @malkikawa of @FirstRoundMgmt. pic.twitter.com/3nET4eEwNo
But the underlying athletic profile has not changed, and the Chargers are specifically designed to unlock tight ends in the middle of the field.
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme is built around creating favorable matchups through personnel groupings, and Njoku alongside Oronde Gadsden gives Herbert two strong receiving threats at the position simultaneously.
The #Chargers are signing former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl TE David Njoku, per @RapSheet.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 11, 2026
Njoku had over 4,000 receiving yards during his time in Cleveland - and now starts fresh with HC Jim Harbaugh and OC Mike McDaniel. pic.twitter.com/7mjiNxIMon
Gadsden was outstanding as a rookie with 664 yards and three touchdowns, establishing real chemistry with Herbert that carried into the postseason.
Charlie Kolar handles the blocking role.
The three-man room gives the Chargers exactly the kind of 12-personnel versatility that the modern NFL offense demands, with Njoku occupying a veteran role as the second option and a mentor for Gadsden in the same building.
Photo Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images