The NFL offseason has entered its final wave of free agency now that the NFL Draft has concluded. Remaining free agents will soon either find a new home or face difficult career decisions.
The Los Angeles Chargers recently hosted tight end David Njoku for a free-agency visit, and he has now decided to stay in Los Angeles. Reports indicate Njoku is signing a one-year deal with the Chargers.
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The Chargers were already poised to improve offensively. Their top offensive tackles are expected to return from season-ending injuries, and the addition of Njoku gives them another dangerous weapon. Are the Chargers now legitimate contenders in the AFC West?
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh has turned an NFL team into a Super Bowl contender within two years before. In 2012, he led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII. Can he replicate that success 14 years later?
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Jim Harbaugh
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
It is time?
The biggest question may come down to health. Last season, injuries devastated the Chargers’ offensive line, forcing constant lineup changes and derailing a promising campaign.
Not only should the offensive line return healthier, but the Chargers also invested heavily in the draft and coaching staff. The hiring of Mike McDaniel could prove to be one of the league’s best offseason moves in recent memory.
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McDaniel has consistently gotten the most out of his quarterbacks, and he excels at building productive rushing attacks. As a disciple of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, McDaniel’s balanced offensive philosophy should benefit Justin Herbert tremendously.
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In fact, McDaniel has already told reporters that maximizing Herbert’s potential starts with offensive balance. That approach should also do a better job of keeping Herbert protected.
Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes the ball as. Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) applies the pressure during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
That’s without even mentioning one of the NFL’s strongest defenses. The Chargers fielded a top-10 defense last season and return most of their starters.
With a strong defense, a retooled offense, and one of the league’s best quarterbacks, why shouldn’t the Chargers be viewed as contenders not only in the AFC West, but across the AFC?
And why stop there? Could Chargers fans finally have a team capable of making a legitimate Super Bowl run?