The Los Angeles Chargers offense is going to look a lot different going into the 2026 NFL season, but not so much because of the roster.
Instead, it is because Mike McDaniel is the new offensive coordinator. After the Miami Dolphins fired McDaniel as head coach and the Chargers fired Greg Roman as OC, McDaniel was hired by LA, and it should be a thrilling pairing to see McDaniel and Justin Herbert work together.
The Chargers added Dolphins Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold, as well as former Baltimore Ravens players Keaton Mitchell (RB) and Charlie Kolar (TE).
Now, another piece is coming to town with Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku.
Njoku took a visit recently with LA, and on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the one-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Chargers.
Njoku had spent his entire career in Cleveland since the Browns selected him at No. 29 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Miami.
His best season came in 2023, the year he made the Pro Bowl, as he had career-highs in receptions (81), targets (123), yards (882) and touchdowns (6).
Njoku played in 23 total games the past two seasons due to injuries, and his numbers took a hit due to the Browns' never-ending QB carousel.
What Will Njoku's Role Be in LA?
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 7, 2025. Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
The Chargers added Kolar to the tight end room, but he projects more as a blocker than a pass-catcher.
Oronde Gadsden, the Chargers' fifth-round pick from 2025, broke out with 49 receptions and 664 yards as a rookie, and he should be used in a variety of ways with McDaniel running the offense.
Still, there is a scenario where McDaniel uses two tight-end sets more often than not, and Njoku should be a big presence in the red zone.
The new-look offense in LA should be exciting to see with Herbert slinging the ball and a flurry of pass-catchers, as well as a healthy Omarion Hampton at RB, who was the Chargers' first-round pick from 2025.
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