At this time in the offseason, most of the free-agent signings don't provide serious cause for excitement. Even for a team like the Los Angeles Chargers, who tend to take a conservative approach and seek out pieces at a discount post-draft, this statement typically holds true.
In a sense, David Njoku, who the Chargers inked to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million this week, is one of those signings. He's dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, and his offensive production in 2025 was sub-par as he lost snaps to rookie Harold Fannin Jr. There's a reason he was available this late in the offseason.
But there's also a more optimistic take on the situation, and it's probably the correct one. Although Njoku came in on a 'prove-it' deal, he's such a perfect fit for what the Chargers need in Mike McDaniel's offense that he could quickly become one of the best signings of the offseason.
Alex Kay at Bleacher Report, in their recent list of underrated offseason moves, sung Njoku's praises. He hit the nail on the head in explaining why Njoku could be such an impactful signing for the Chargers:
"Although he now has nine years of NFL experience under his belt, Njoku won't turn 30 until July and should have plenty of tread left on his tires. At worst, the Chargers brought in a large, fast, athletic weapon who quarterback Justin Herbert can lean on in short-yardage and red-zone situations. Njoku has long thrived in those spots, evidenced by the four-plus touchdowns he's scored in each of the last five seasons." Alex Kay, Bleacher Report
David Njoku brings a unmistakable offensive floor into his tenure with the Chargers
Of course, there are concerns about Njoku's ability to reach the heights of production he once did in Cleveland. His 2023 Pro Bowl campaign, in which he posted 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns, was just three seasons ago. But he's since lost a step athletically, and he gained some weight towards the end of his time with the Browns to slide into more of an in-line blocking role.
His ceiling with the Chargers, though, is still to compete for snaps with Oronde Gadsden II and take over as one of the team's primary pass-catchers. It remains to be seen if he still has enough left in the tank to accomplish that.
But what Kay points out is that, at $8 million including incentives, Njoku doesn't have to be that type of player anymore. At worst, he'll be a solid short-yardage threat for Justin Herbert. Mike McDaniel has stated his intention to create easier completions for the Chargers' quarterback in 2026, and Njoku can slot in behind Gadsden in order to provide that.
He'll also provide additional flexibility for the Chargers to run multiple-tight-end sets if they so choose. He's a perfect fit between Gadsden and Charlie Kolar in Los Angeles' tight end room. On a salary of $8 million (which includes unspecified incentives), the Chargers are in a position to use Njoku however they see fit.
Therefore, even if Njoku doesn't surpass the meager numbers he put up last season, this could still prove to be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason across the entire NFL.
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