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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku signed a 1-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku is heading west.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Njoku has agreed to a 1-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. The deal is worth as much as $8 million.
“After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert,” wrote Rapoport 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 was a free agent this offseason after experiencing one of the most disappointing statistical seasons of his career. In 12 games, Njoku posted 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged only 8.9 yards per reception.
The veteran tight end, though, missed five games and dealt with knee issues throughout the campaign.
The Browns drafted Njoku in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over nine seasons in Cleveland, he registered 384 receptions, 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns.
Njoku signed with the Chargers one week after visiting the team in NFL free agency.
The veteran tight end already bid farewell to Cleveland in a social media post on February 9. So, it wasn’t surprising he signed with a new team in NFL free agency.
“I am so grateful for all the memories we shared together,” wrote Njoku in the long message. “The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”
It took two months into NFL free agency. But Njoku finally has a new home.
In Los Angeles, Njoku could have a featured role in the Chargers offense. The team doesn’t have a lot of proven tight end depth behind 2025 fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden.
Entering just his second season, Gadsden isn’t very experienced either. But as a rookie, Gadsden posted 49 catches for 664 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.
Njoku will also have an opportunity to be a bigger playmaker due to the stability at quarterback the Chargers have. When healthy, Justin Herbert has emerged as one of the top passers in the league over recent seasons.
The Browns drafted Njoku as their third and final first-round pick in 2017. Cleveland also picked defensive end Myles Garrett and safety Jabrill Peppers during the 2017 first round.
In 2023, Njoku made the Pro Bowl with 81 catches, 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Based on the language Rapoport used, Njoku’s contract will be incentive based. According to Spotrac, the tight end has earned about $70.16 million in the NFL.
Cleveland already has its replacement for Njoku with Harold Fannin. A 2025 third-round pick, Fannin broke out as a rookie, posting 72 catches, 731 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
The tight end depth behind Fannin for the Browns, though, is a bit murky.
Blake Whiteheart will be back in Cleveland as the most-likely TE2 candidate. Cleveland also signed Jack Stoll in NFL free agency.
However, neither one is much of a pass-catcher.
During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns added two Day 3 tight ends — Joe Royer and Carsen Ryan. Rookie options are always intriguing, but either rookie should prove he is going to make the team first before receiving consideration for Cleveland’s TE2.
The Browns also have tight ends Sal Cannella, Brenden Bates and Caden Prieskorn on their offseason roster.
Cleveland’s next offseason workout will be May 19. How the tight end group looks without Njoku still on the market could be one of the team’s biggest topics.
The Browns are in good hands with Fannin. But they could use another tight end emerging this summer to truly replace Njoku.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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