Chargers Sign Tight End David Njoku to One-Year Deal

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, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Monday. Njoku, 29, became a free agent after his contract with the Browns voided in February.

He spent his entire nine-year career in Cleveland, where he ranks second in franchise history among tight ends with 34 touchdown receptions and 384 catches. His best season came in 2023, when he recorded career highs of 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns and earned a Pro Bowl selection.

Production fell in 2025, however, as he appeared in fewer games and posted 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns. The addition gives quarterback Justin Herbert another proven pass-catching tight end alongside second-year player Oronde Gadsden II, who caught 49 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2025.

The Chargers also signed blocking tight end Charlie Kolar in free agency this offseason.

The signing aligns with the team's effort to expand its offensive tools under its new offensive coordinator. The coordinator has emphasized schemes that utilize multiple tight ends in receiving roles and quick footwork to complement Herbert's strong arm.

“He has the capability of mastering every tool in the toolbox,” the offensive coordinator said of Herbert. ” The coordinator noted that quarterbacks with powerful arms sometimes allow defenders to close on receivers during the time it takes to see openings.

The new approach focuses on quicker releases and yards after catch.

Njoku was selected by the Browns with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He has missed 11 games due to injury over the past two seasons, a factor that contributed to his reduced role in 2025. His lowest yards-per-reception average since 2019 came last season at 8.9.

The one-year contract allows the Chargers to add depth at the position without a long-term commitment while evaluating how the group performs in the new system. The deal was announced early Monday morning. It provides the Chargers with three tight ends who offer distinct skill sets: Njoku and Gadsden as receiving threats and Kolar as a traditional blocker.

“The Chargers signed former pro bowl TE David Njoku to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million.”

Los Angeles now has additional flexibility to deploy formations featuring two tight ends on the field simultaneously, something the new offensive coordinator has indicated will be a feature of the 2026 playbook. Herbert, entering his sixth NFL season, has been a focal point of the team's rebuild.

The front office has moved to surround him with more weapons following the hiring of the offensive coordinator, who previously led an offense known for creative personnel groupings.