Every NFL team sets out to completely rebuild a position or two each offseason, with the Kansas City Chiefs tackling a few. Running back, cornerback, and defensive tackle have all been overhauled and much improved in the hopes of rebounding from a six-win campaign in 2025.
The L.A. Chargers have set their sights on upgrading their tight ends this offseason. On Monday, they began the week with the signing of former Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku, one of the most impactful remaining free agents available.
Njoku's reported deal, per Ian Rapoport, is a one-year contract worth up to $8 million.
The Browns drafted Njoku at No. 29 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, trading up with the Green Bay Packers to land the Miami (Fl.) tight end as a vertical seam threat for a rebuilding offense. Njoku took on a starting role by his second season and spent nine years in Cleveland as a steady yet oft-injured fixture at the position.
L.A.'s tight end room has been considerably upgraded this offseason.
Njoku's productive zenith was felt as recently as 2023, when he put up 81 receptions, 882 yards, and 6 touchdowns and earned a Pro Bowl nod for his effort. Across nine seasons, he caught 384 passes for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns before Cleveland ultimately released him in March. While Njoku's productivity already speaks for itself, it's also hard not to project how much more profilic he could have been with a healthier organization.
As for the Chargers, they also signed Charlie Kolar as a free agent this offseason, giving them two very solid additions at the position as they upgrade the offense around Justin Herbert. After hitting a home run in the fifth round a year ago with the selection of tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who had 49 catches for 664 yards in his rookie campaign, L.A. now has one of the NFL's most well-rounded tight end units.
Last season, the Chargers had Gadsden making his NFL debut to go with Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. Together with Gadsden's growth curve and Njoku's arrival, the Chargers should be much improved at tight end.
Interestingly enough, there were decent segments of Chiefs fans who were clamoring after both Njoku and Kolar. Noah Gray wasn't a sure bet to remain on the roster this spring, and Njoku's release from Cleveland presented a potential upgrade at TE2 while providing a bit of pass-catching security in case Travis Kelce hits the wall at age 37. Meanwhile, the Chiefs haven't had a solid blocker at tight end in years, and Kolar was an excellent possibility in free agency.
As it stands, Kansas City is still rolling with the same cast of characters they had a year ago with the addition of undrafted free agent John Michael Gyllenborg.
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