The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. Njoku had met with the club following the 2026 NFL Draft before getting the deal done.
Nine years in Cleveland, one team, and more offensive coordinator changes than anyone should have to endure. The 29-year-old enters his 10th NFL season in 2026, and this stint in Los Angeles marks the first time in his career he has played for anyone other than the Browns.
Njoku spent the first nine years in Cleveland after the club selected the Miami product with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He departs as a franchise icon of sorts, ranking second in Browns history for touchdown catches and receptions at the tight end position, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) dives
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) dives into the end-zone to score a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
How Njoku’s arrival changes the Chargers’ offensive picture
In 2023, Njoku was named to the Pro Bowl after an 81-catch season that produced career highs in receiving yards (882), touchdowns (six), and receptions. The past two seasons saw him battle injuries, limiting him to 11 games in 2024 and 12 in 2025. His production slipped during that stretch, and he also operated in a smaller role in 2025 due to the presence of rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who was targeted 107 times in 16 games and accumulated 731 receiving yards.
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
None of that changes what Njoku brings to a new situation. The Chargers’ tight end depth chart, outside of rising second-year player Oronde Gadsden II, was screaming for another pass-catching option. Gadsden impressed as a rookie, catching 49 balls for 664 yards and three touchdowns, but the rest of the depth chart behind him was essentially blockers.
David Njoku Visits Baltimore Ravens
Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
A Njoku-Gadsden rotation is one that works for the Chargers now and into the future. Njoku joining the mix should actually keep Gadsden fresh rather than eat into his role significantly, and coordinator Mike McDaniel is known for maximizing multiple tight end looks schematically.
Justin Herbert, who has consistently shown a willingness to attack the seams, gets the kind of experienced, physical tight end his offense has lacked.
Njoku told the Browns on his way out:
“Cleveland, first off, I love you. These nine years have been a beautiful journey. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared together.” Those memories belong to another chapter. The one starting now has a lot more going for it, including a franchise quarterback who will actually trust him.