The Los Angeles Chargers met with free agent tight end David Njoku on Monday, bringing him in for a physical and presumably setting the stage for one of their final signings of the offseason.
On paper, the fit is perfect. The Chargers already have a pass-catching tight end in Oronde Gadsden II. Although their signing of Charlie Kolar was a bit of an overpay relative to his market value, he'll be a valuable blocking presence in Mike McDaniel's run-heavy scheme.
Njoku, therefore, represents a solid middle ground between the two tight ends, with a strong pass-catching resume and a solid blocking pedigree. If Los Angeles can bring him in on a cheap deal at this point in free agency, it would be a major win.
But we've gotten no update since his visit took place, and it's unclear at this point whether the signing will ultimately get done or not. It's reasonable to think, therefore, that the hang-up hinges on the terms of his deal.
At this point in the offseason, bringing Njoku in is obviously the best-case scenario given what's left on the market. But Los Angeles cannot cave to any demands for a long-term deal— Njoku's addition must fit the current demands of the roster.
David Njoku might want a longer deal, but the Chargers need some proof that he can stave off his decline
The fact that Njoku is even available at this point in the offseason is somewhat surprising. He had a down year in 2025 as he dealt with injuries and the emergence of Harold Fannin Jr. in the Cleveland Browns' offense, posting just 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns.
But we're not too far removed from Njoku's 2023 Pro Bowl campaign. It's likely that, as his athleticism has waned, he's reached the point in his career where those numbers are unattainable. But Los Angeles doesn't need another alpha pass-catching tight end. They simply need a serviceable one that can slot into multiple tight-end sets as a complement to Gadsden and Kolar.
On a short-term deal with a $9 or $10 million annual value, Njoku could be exactly that. Even with the extensions for Tuli Tuipulotu and Derwin James looming, Los Angeles has more than enough financial flexibility to get that done. Especially if it's a one-year, 'prove-it' deal, those negotiations should have no bearing on Njoku.
Anything at this point is just pure speculation given the lack of updates we've gotten. But it's quite possible that Njoku is holding out for a longer deal, seeking a more secure future as he leaves the only organization he's ever known and approaches the age of 30. There's always a chance he waits to see what jobs shake out in training camp, where he could also likely yield a higher annual value under the right circumstances.
With Gadsden on the second year of his rookie deal and Kolar inked through 2028, however, Njoku's fit on the Chargers certainly has an expiration date, especially if his decline as a pass-catcher continues.
Should Los Angeles do everything within their power to get an Njoku deal done? Certainly.
But it has to come at the right price and with the right stipulations, otherwise it might be wiser to turn back to the market and settle for a piece like Darren Waller or Jonnu Smith.
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