The Los Angeles Chargers could still add to the tight end room this offseason, particularly one who is an effective pass catcher or blocker after not drafting one in the 2026 NFL Draft. Oronde Gadsden II is primarily regarded as a receiver, and Charlie Kolar is primarily known for his blocking, with just 409 yards through his first four seasons. Additionally, the Chargers’ depth weakened after releasing Will Dissly, with Tyler Conklin joining the Detroit Lions and Tucker Fisk remaining unsigned.
Los Angeles Chargers land top free-agent TE for 2026
Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Hortiz
Jan 15, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz at a press conference at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have signed David Njoku to a one-year contract worth up to $8 million after visiting with the team last Monday. The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler and first-round pick waited until now to sign largely because of the weak tight end market, declining production, injury concerns, and high contract expectations. When healthy, Njoku is an excellent receiver and solid blocker.
Sources: The #Chargers have agreed to terms with former #Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M.
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
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his last two seasons
Cleveland Browns David Njoku
Oct 5, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
After a career year in 2023, recording a career-high 882 yards and six touchdowns and earning his first Pro Bowl nod, David Njoku has seen his production dip over the past two years while missing 11 games due to injury. He had 505 yards across a career-low 7.9 yards per reception and five touchdowns in 2024 while missing six games due to a high-ankle sprain and a hamstring injury. Njoku had 293 yards, the third-lowest total of his career, and four touchdowns in 2025 while missing five games with a persistent knee injury.