Dating back to 2022, Browns tight end David Njoku was in fan mock trades to the Chargers during various offseasons and in-season deadlines. The veteran tight end made it official earlier this week that he will not be returning to Cleveland in 2026. If LA were to be interested, Njoku is now an available free agent.
The reasons on paper for an Njoku signing make sense. As both a pass blocker and pass catcher, the veteran Cleveland tight end can be asked to contribute in several offensive roles.
Over the last three seasons, Njoku has put up 15 touchdowns and 1,680 receiving yards. He'd certainly be a good target in the red zone for a QB like Justin Herbert. Njoku's blocking, historically speaking, is exactly what the Chargers need to pair with breakout rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II.
David Njoku does have question marks the Chargers must consider
On the other hand, there are some question marks surrounding Njoku's profile going forward. As he has dealt with a variety of knee, ankle, and hamstring injuries over the past two seasons, he's missed 11 of Cleveland's last 34 games.
Njoku will turn 30 this offseason and his pass blocking/run blocking efficiency numbers did take a rather steep fall from his 2024 campaign. His 293 receiving yards were his fewest in a season since 2020.
Assuming a team believes in Njoku's ability to bounce back, there's a chance he could be had at a relative discount based on recent production.
It's a fairly stacked tight end class with names like Dallas Goedert, Kyle Pitts, Cade Otton, and Njoku as free agents. Even possible rotational starters like Darren Waller and Mo Alie-Cox are on the market. TE Isaiah Likely will also be available as a possible Ravens/Joe Hortiz draft connection.
Assuming his medicals check out, Njoku may not be a bad value swing in a fairly deep free agent class at his position. The highs of his 2023 Pro Bowl campaign were historic with 882 yards and six touchdowns. It just remains to be seen whether he can hit those same heights again. At the same time, the emergence of Oronde Gadsden II means that he wouldn't have to carry as significant of a load in Los Angeles.
The Chargers should poke around on the Njoku front if he is not returning to Cleveland. With Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin likely both out of the picture in 2026, the Chargers need other competent tight ends that can contribute in addition to Gadsden.