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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku
The Los Angeles Chargers continue reshaping their offense this offseason as new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel builds around quarterback Justin Herbert ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
McDaniel replaced Greg Roman after the Chargers’ playoff exit and immediately became one of the organization’s biggest offseason additions. The former Miami Dolphins head coach has already spoken highly of Herbert during offseason workouts and emphasized his excitement about working with the franchise quarterback.
“I had very, very lofty expectations,” McDaniel said recently, according to the Chargers’ official website. “Justin’s up there as one of the main motivating factors of moving my family here. Lofty expectations and I can say with absolute certainty he’s exceeded those.”
The Chargers have also spent the offseason looking for more pass-catching help around Herbert after inconsistent offensive production and protection issues impacted the team in 2025.
The Chargers addressed one of those needs Sunday by agreeing to terms with former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million.
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.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport first reported the signing 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,” Rapoport wrote. “After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert in a deal done by Malki Kawa of FirstRoundMgmt.”
Njoku visited the Chargers earlier this month before finalizing the agreement.
The veteran tight end spent nine seasons in Cleveland after being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. During his career with the Browns, Njoku totaled 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl selection during the 2023 season.
His production dipped in 2025, when he finished with 33 receptions, 293 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Cleveland eventually moved on after rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as part of the Browns’ offense.
For the Chargers, Njoku adds another experienced receiving target to complement the existing tight end group.
Los Angeles previously signed Charlie Kolar earlier this offseason and still has second-year tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who recorded 664 receiving yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season.
GettyLos Angeles Chargers Head coach Mike McDaniel
The Chargers are entering an important transition offensively under McDaniel.
Los Angeles struggled at times during the 2025 season, particularly when injuries to the offensive line affected play. According to Next Gen Stats referenced during offseason discussions, Herbert faced pressure on 43.3 percent of his dropbacks and absorbed 54 sacks last season.
McDaniel has already discussed helping Herbert play faster within the offense while maintaining the quarterback’s ability to create outside structure.
“We’re looking to master and be elite at everything that we do,” McDaniel said. “Being able for him to own the position a way he never has and ultimately, for it to be obvious to everyone around that he’s playing the best football of his career.”
Several NFL analysts have also pointed to the potential upside of the Herbert-McDaniel partnership.
Yahoo Sports analyst Nate Tice wrote that “McDaniel is going to be such an upgrade in every aspect for this offense.”
Former Pro Football Focus analyst Sam Monson added: “There’s a world where access to Herbert’s traits in his scheme’s design is about to break the NFL.”
Now, the Chargers continue adding veteran talent around Herbert as they attempt to take another step offensively in 2026.
Debayan Biswas is a sports writer covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He focuses on breaking news, trades, and player stories. His work has been featured by Athlon Sports and Pro Football and Sports Network, with republication across platforms including Yahoo Sports and Yardbarker. More about Debayan Biswas
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