Chargers Connected to Pro Bowl Weapon for Justin Herbert
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is beginning to shape the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense around his own approach, taking over from Greg Roman. He’ll also have the benefit of working with one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Justin Herbert.
Even though free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft have already wrapped up, the Chargers still seem open to adding more talent before the upcoming season.
According to one insider report, the team is set to meet next week with a Pro Bowl-caliber free agent tight end who could fit into McDaniel’s system.
Chargers Linked to Former AFC North Tight End
The Chargers recently signed Charlie Kolar to a three-year, $24.3 million contract to serve as their primary blocking tight end. In 2025, Pro Football Focus graded him at 72.0 in pass blocking and 71.5 as a run blocker.
Now, Los Angeles is also seeking a more dynamic receiving option at the position and is expected to meet with a Pro Bowl tight end in the coming days.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Chargers will meet Monday with former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku.
Njoku, a former first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, is moving on after nine seasons in Cleveland. If signed, he would give Justin Herbert another experienced target in the passing game.
His 2025 campaign was one of the least productive of his career, totaling 293 receiving yards (his second-lowest mark), 33 catches, and 4 touchdowns. He is now reportedly open to a fresh start, and Los Angeles could become a landing spot depending on how the meeting goes.
Over his career, Njoku has accumulated 4,062 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.
Cleveland’s decision to move on from him comes after rookie Harold Fannin Jr. emerged strongly in a season where the Browns lacked a clear starting quarterback.
Chargers Tight End Group with David Njoku
If the Chargers do add Njoku, he would join Oronde Gadsden II, who impressed in his rookie season.
Gadsden finished with 664 receiving yards, averaging 13.6 yards per catch, and scored three touchdowns, ranking fourth on the team in those categories.
Pairing Njoku with Gadsden would give the Chargers a strong tight end tandem with the potential to be one of the more productive groups in the league.
The growing use of heavier personnel packages, similar to what the Los Angeles Rams have done, could allow Njoku, Gadsden, and Kolar to share the field and create more offensive flexibility.
Ultimately, everything depends on how Njoku’s meeting with the Chargers goes on Monday. A positive impression could lead to a contract and a new home in Los Angeles, while otherwise he would continue exploring other opportunities.
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