The Los Angeles Chargers needs this offseason are crystal clear.
Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman are both cut candidates, and they will need to re-shape the interior of the offensive line as a result. They must also add positional depth in the draft, especially on defense. The free agencies of Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack could also leave a gaping hole in their pass rush.
From a certain standpoint, however, their skill positions are set. Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal will make up the backfield, and their versatile and varied receiving core should receive new life under Mike McDaniel.
Yet there a sneaky need still remains alongside Oronde Gadsden II at tight end. Unrestricted free agent David Njoku could be the perfect cost-effective option to fill this gap.
David Njoku could be the perfect complement to Oronde Gadsden II
In 2025, Gadsden emerged as the Chargers' most surprising offensive performer. After starting the season as a healthy scratch, he amassed 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions despite Los Angeles's offensive stagnancy through much of the season.
He's the big-play threat the Chargers need at the position, and expectations are high for him headed into 2026. Yet with the limited impact both Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk made behind him on the depth chart, an opening remains alongside him.
As good as Gadsden was in his rookie season, the Syracuse product still needs to take major strides as a blocker. Fisk could fill that role if he's brought back, but the Chargers could use more versatility out of that roster spot.
Njoku would be the perfect choice. At 6'4" and 246 lbs, he presents a formidable presence on the end of the offensive line. He's also flashed an ability to take on a heavy receiving load in past seasons, garnering 123 targets for 81 receptions and 882 yards as recently as 2023.
According to Spotrac, Njoku's next contract is projected to sit somewhere in the two-year, $20 million range. He's one of the premier targets in a relatively thin positional class of free agents.
Yet once their major needs are addressed, the Chargers will likely still have the financial flexibility to splurge if they see fit. They still have just over $82 million in cap space even after their extension of defensive tackle Teair Tart.
Signing Njoku, moreover, would grant newly-minted offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel additional optionality in his offensive scheme. Being able to play two tight ends, using Njoku either as a blocking option to offset Gadsden or as an additional pass-catching option, could be a major boon to the offense.
$10 million a year might seem like a hefty price to pay, but the value Njoku provides would be well worth it.