The Los Angeles Chargers are doing their best to make sure they put Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert in position to be successful next season.
The team brought in mad-scientist offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, drafted Mississippi State speedster Brenen Thompson (Round 4) at McDaniel's request, and beefed up its offensive line in adding Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, former first-round guard Cole Strange, guard Ben Cleveland, and 2026 second-round center Jake Slaughter.
But on Monday morning, L.A. made another move to bolster Herbert's supporting cast, signing a former Pro Bowl tight end to give him another weapon to throw to.
"Sources: The #Chargers have agreed to terms with former #Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport posted on X. "After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert."
Njoku's addition gives the Chargers a strong 1-2 punch at tight end with Orande Gadsden, who totaled 49 catches, 664 yards, and three touchdowns as a rookie last season.
The move also plays right into McDaniel's strengths. During his time as the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers and as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel relied heavily on two-TE sets, particularly in the run game.
In fact, the Dolphins led the NFL last season in 22 personnel efficiency (two running backs, two tight ends). Njoku, who started his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns as a primarily pass-catching TE since developed into a solid blocking TE.
The Browns used Njoku as an inline blocker to open up running lanes on the outside, and sometimes as a fullback in the backfield in short-yardage situations.
His versatility will not only help Herbert in the pass game but also running back Omarion Hampton, who's coming off an effective but injury shortened rookie year (545 yards rushing, three touchdowns, 32 catches, 192 yards, one TD).
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