Andrew Buller-Russ
One of the biggest talking points, aside from a reinforced offensive line, has been that the Los Angeles Chargers don’t have enough weaponry to maximize Justin Herbert‘s potential. Perhaps Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has heard the criticism.
On Monday, NFL Network’s insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Chargers have signed tight end David Njoku to a one-year contract worth up to $8 million.
Njoku arrived in the pros when the Cleveland Browns made him the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s spent all nine seasons of his career as a member of the Browns. Yet, after the team selected tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it meant Njoku’s days in Cleveland were numbered.
Fannin’s 731-yard, six-touchdown season showed that the Browns indeed had a new starting center capable of elevating the offense. Once the season was over, Njoku admitted that he wouldn’t be a member of the Browns in 2026.
Njoku earned his lone Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after recording 882 yards and six touchdowns. Last season, he had 293 yards and four touchdowns, ranking fourth on the Browns in yards.
Still just 29 years old, Njoku should have plenty of productive seasons left, and now he’ll look to prove it as a member of the Chargers. He’ll join a depth chart that features Oronde Gadsden and another free agent signee in Charlie Kolar.
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