David Njoku Signs Chargers Contract After Browns Exit, Updated Depth Chart and Salary Cap

The Los Angeles Chargers signed tight end David Njoku in free agency, the team announced on Monday.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Njoku will earn up to $8 million on a one-year deal.

Los Angeles' desire to add the veteran was clear prior to the contract agreement, as Rapoport previously reported the team hosted him for a visit.

Njoku joins a passing game whose only notable addition so far had been fourth-round draft pick Brenen Thompson.

Chargers Offense Depth Chart

QB: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei

RB: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal

FB: Alec Ingold

WR: Quentin Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Dalevon Campbell

WR: Tre' Harris, Brenen Thompson, JaQuae Jackson

SWR: Ladd McConkey, Derius Davis, Luke Grimm

TE: David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar

LT: Rashawn Slater, Trey Pipkins III

LG: Jake Slaughter, Trevor Penning

C: Tyler Biadasz, Josh Kaltenberger

RG: Cole Strange, Logan Taylor

RT: Joe Alt, Travis Burke

Njoku is coming off a nine-year stint with the Cleveland Browns after he was selected by the team with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

The writing appeared to be on the wall regarding his future with the Browns at the end of the 2025 season, though. Injuries forced Njoku to miss five games, marking the second consecutive year in which he didn't appear in more than 12 contests.

He also operated in a smaller role due to the presence of Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland's 2025 third-round pick.

Fannin was targeted 107 times in 16 games and amassed 731 receiving yards, playing 76 percent of the Browns' offensive snaps (via Pro Football Reference).

As for Njoku, he was targeted 48 times and recorded 293 yards. He was also on the field for 64 percent of Cleveland's offensive snaps.

Los Angeles will be hoping that a change of scenery can help Njoku look like his former self, as he's only two seasons removed from a 2023 campaign in which he racked up 882 receiving yards and earned Pro Bowl honors.

He's also topped 500 receiving yards in four separate years throughout his career.

Following the addition of Njoku, the Chargers will enter the 2026 season attempting to to clinch a third consecutive playoff appearance.