TE David Njoku signed with the Chargers a little over a week ago. It came at a time where the Chargers were short on bodies in the TE room after not taking one in the 2026 NFL Draft. Oronde Gadsden II and Charlie Kolar were the only two players that could be considered roster locks prior to Njoku signing. The Chargers have fairly solid depth at the tight end position now in addition to Alec Ingold at fullback.
Njoku had his first Chargers media availability earlier this week. After nearly a decade in Cleveland, the former Pro Bowler was able to test free agency for the first time.
David Njoku reveals why the Chargers were the best fit for him in free agency.
When asked about the reason he joined the Chargers, Njoku specifically mentioned three names in the organization. And they’re probably the people you’d expect a signed free agent to say. “You have a great quarterback here,” Njoku said. “Mike McDaniel is good. The head coach, Jim [Harbaugh].” Njoku referred to those names and others factors as “cumulative” reasons for joining the Chargers.
Njoku was asked about leaving Cleveland and didn’t have too much to say. “It was just business honestly,” Njoku said. “It was best for both parties.”
The new Chargers TE says McDaniel had high praise for him when the two spoke. “He sees great things in me, gladly, so I'm just trying to be the best I can be every day,” Njoku said via Jim Rome.
Njoku is also excited to play with Justin Herbert. “I’ve played against him and I’ve seen what he can do,” the former Cleveland TE said. “I’m glad I’m on his side now.” A funny moment was when Njoku was asked if Herbert would be considered the best quarterback he ever played with. Clearly not wanting to take a shot at his former Browns quarterbacks, Njoku smirked and said, “I would hope so, yeah.”
Compared to the quarterback carousel in Cleveland, Njoku finally has some stability with the signal caller throwing him the ball. In the last two seasons, a whopping seven quarterbacks have started for the Browns. That list includes Jameis Winston, Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
It’s ultimately a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for both parties. A rebound year where he stays healthy with McDaniel could result in a decent payday for Njoku next offseason. Meanwhile, the Chargers get Herbert a dynamic red zone target that bolsters the depth of their TE room.
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