The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing in veteran tight end David Njoku on a one-year contract reportedly worth up to $8 million, ending his nine-season run with the Cleveland Browns.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on X: “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”
Njoku, 29, entered free agency after his contract expired earlier this year. Cleveland originally selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he leaves the franchise as one of the most productive tight ends in team history. He ranks second among Browns tight ends in both receptions (384) and touchdown catches (34), trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome.
Earlier this offseason, Njoku hinted at his departure in a farewell message posted on social media: “Cleveland, first off I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home
#ChiefOut”
Njoku has long been known for his athletic ability. Coming out of the University of Miami, he posted standout NFL Combine numbers, including a 4.64-second 40-yard dash and elite marks in both the vertical and broad jump. After earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023 with career highs of 81 catches, 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns, Throughout his Browns career, Njoku caught touchdown passes from 10 different quarterbacks, highlighting the instability the team faced at the position during his tenure.
Njoku’s numbers dipped over the last two seasons as injuries and inconsistent quarterback play affected Cleveland’s offense. In 2025, he appeared in 12 games, recording 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns while missing time with a knee injury. His absence last season opened the door for rookie Harold Fannin Jr., who emerged as a key contributor with 731 receiving yards and six scores.
Now in Los Angeles, Njoku joins a Chargers tight end group that includes Oronde Gadsden II and Charlie Kolar. Gadsden impressed during his rookie campaign with 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns, while Kolar signed with the team earlier this offseason. The move gives quarterback Justin Herbert another experienced receiving option and adds flexibility to new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system, which could feature multiple tight end sets.
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