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LA Chargers: Why David Njoku was a better option than Jared Cook

By Jason Reed

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field during the player introduction prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns runs onto the field during the player introduction prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

2. David Njoku could have had a longer, and bigger, impact on the LA Chargers

The LA Chargers theoretically could have gotten David Njoku for relatively cheap and while it certainly would not have been a guarantee, the best-case scenario for Njoku would have been exceptional for the Chargers.

Njoku’s value is so low as he has not been in a great situation. Njoku put together a really solid 2018 season that was as good, if not better, than anything Henry did while in Los Angeles. He then got hurt early on in 2019 and when he returned in 2020 he was replaced by Austin Hooper and rookie Harrison Bryant took snaps from him as well.

The Chargers could have presented an opportunity for Njoku to be the number one pass-catcher in the tight end room. This would have given him the chance to show what he still has to offer and if it went well, the Chargers could have then signed Njoku to a new contract after the season.

Cook is not a long-term option for the Bolts. The team is probably going to have another hole to fill next season, barring a late-round pick or Donald Parham far surpassing expectations in 2021. That may not have been the case with Njoku.

Njoku is only 24. The Chargers absolutely could have signed him to a three or four-year deal after a solid 2021, fixing the tight end problem for the coming years as a result.

This could be good for Justin Herbert as well. The last thing you want to give a young quarterback is a rotating door of different targets in the offense, especially with the possibility of Mike Williams leaving after 2021.

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