The Los Angeles Chargers have reached an agreement with tight end David Njoku on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, according to NFL Network reports on Monday.
Njoku, 29, has spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns. He ranks second in franchise history among tight ends with 34 touchdown catches and 384 receptions, trailing only Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome (47 touchdowns, 662 receptions from 1978-1990).
In a February Instagram post, Njoku revealed he would test free agency and not return to Cleveland.
“Cleveland, first off I love you,” he wrote. “These nine years have been a beautiful journey. I’m so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole Browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”
A first-round pick (29th overall) in 2017 from the University of Miami (Fla.), Njoku made an immediate impact with 88 catches for 1,025 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two professional seasons. He reached his peak in 2023, setting career highs with 81 receptions, 882 yards and six touchdowns, earning his only Pro Bowl selection.
However, injuries limited him to just 11 games combined over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, causing his production to decline. Last season, rookie Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the team’s primary tight end target with 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns, while Njoku finished with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four scores.
With his move to Los Angeles, Njoku joins a Chargers offense that will feature franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. The pair will work under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
