David Njoku, Chargers reportedly agree to 1-year deal after TE hit free agency for first time
Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku has reportedly agreed to terms on a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple reports. This officially marks the end of a nine-year tenure with the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him with the 29th overall pick in 2017.
Njoku signed a one-year deal that could be worth as much as $8 million with the Chargers, where he’ll be a prime target for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Sources: The #Chargers have agreed to terms with former #Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 11, 2026
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
Earlier in the offseason, Njoku acknowledged his likely departure from Cleveland with a thank you to the organization on social media. Now, it's official.
"Cleveland, first off, I love you. These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I am so grateful for all the memories we shared together," he wrote, captioning a carousel of images of his time with the organization.
The Browns posted a goodbye of their own Monday, thanking Njoku for the last nine seasons.
Thank you David, for nine incredible years with us. Your passion, tenacity, and fire for the game and for this team were unmatched and we were grateful for it every week. From Chief Slams to mic’d up gems, we will never forget the many amazing moments that you brought us. We wish… pic.twitter.com/buimd7FLmr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 11, 2026
After posting a career year in 2023 that earned him his first Pro Bowl nod, Njoku has seen a decline in production over the past two seasons. He has played 23 total games, totaling 798 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in that span. In 2025, he missed five games with a knee injury, posting his lowest receiving-yard total (293 yards) since 2020.
In addition to injury, quarterback play for the Browns has no doubt had an effect on production for Njoku — and the team as a whole. Njoku caught touchdowns from 10 different quarterbacks over his nine seasons with the organization, including Kevin Hogan, DeShon Kizer, Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, Deshaun Watson, P.J. Walker, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Dillon Gabriel and Sheduer Sanders.
Njoku missing time in 2025 paved the way for the Browns to find confidence in his successor, 2025 third-round pick Harold Fannin Jr. As a rookie, Fannin led the team with 731 receiving yards and six touchdowns over 16 games.
Though instability at quarterback has been an issue for the Browns, Njoku has still shown plenty of upside over the course of his nine seasons, with elite athleticism to pair with his 6-foot-4, 246-pound frame.
Coming out of Miami (Florida), Njoku ranked in the 78th percentile for the position with a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine while ranking in the 90th percentile in the vertical jump (37.5 inches) and 98th percentile in the broad jump (133 inches).
The Chargers should give Njoku the best quarterback he’s played with over his NFL career. While that could result in breakout production, Njoku will have to compete with incumbent Oronde Gadsden for targets. Gadsden turned in a solid rookie year after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He hauled in 49 passes for 664 yards and three scores in his first NFL season.
