Browns TE David Njoku’s wait time in free agency has paid off with the new NFL team he will be calling home
After playing all of his NFL career to this point with the Cleveland Browns, TE David Njoku has finally found a new home. The former first round pick will be staying in the AFC.
The Cleveland Browns moved in a different direction than TE David Njoku leading their tight end room this offseason. Cleveland knew the future of the room was Harold Fannin Jr., so the tough choice was made not to bring Njoku back after he spent the first nine years of his career with the Browns.
Njoku was a fan favorite with the Browns for much of his time in Northeast Ohio. Overall, there were ups and downs, and the high was in 2023 when he was a Pro Bowler. After a long wait as a free agent, Njoku has found a new home, and he’ll be staying in the AFC.
David Njoku has an elite quarterback to flourish with late in his NFL career
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Njoku signed a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. It was noted Njoku was going to visit Los Angeles last week, and he’s finally off the board as one of the top free agents available.
There hasn’t been a whole lot of interest in the veteran tight end this offseason. The former Miami standout visited the Baltimore Ravens closer to the start of free agency, but nothing materialized. Now, Njoku will get to catch passes from Justin Herbert for the 2026 season, as well as live in California. Going from living in Cleveland the first nine seasons to playing in South Carolina is a nice twist for his career.
Njoku put up 4,062 receiving yards and 34 receiving touchdowns in 118 career games with the Browns. The 6-foot-4 tight end hasn’t played a full season since 2021 and injuries have been a real part of his decline. The former Browns tight end had his best season in 2023 when he went on a hot streak with Joe Flacco throwing him the ball. Njoku had 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns that season to become a Pro Bowler for the first time.
Oronde Gadsen is the leader at tight end for the Chargers, who also signed former Ravens TE Charlie Kolar in free agency. Njoku will be another tight end option in the room for Los Angeles, able to be both a receiver and a blocker.
Due to the time Njoku stayed in free agency, he won’t count toward compensatory picks in the next draft for either the Browns or Chargers. While Njoku’s days of being a starter might be behind him, there aren’t many better places he could have signed in the end.