Ex-Browns TE David Njoku Draws Interest From AFC West Team In Free Agency

The Cleveland Browns released tight end David Njoku with a post-June 1 designation at the start of the new NFL league year in March.

Kansas City Chiefs fans have been eyeing Njoku, 29, as an ideal tight end addition to take pressure off Travis Kelce, 36, as he approaches the end of his future Hall of Fame career.

But another AFC West team is reportedly interested in Njoku’s services.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Njoku will visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday. Of course, a visit doesn’t guarantee that Njoku will sign with the Chargers. It’s still fun to envision Njoku’s potential fit in Los Angeles, however.

The Chargers already have second-year tight end Oronde Gadsden, who developed chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert and flashed playmaking ability as a rookie, and signed former Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar earlier in free agency. Kolar is touted as a blocking tight end, which is a dream in a Mike McDaniel scheme. The Chargers hired McDaniel, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, as their new offensive coordinator in January.

What’s better than one surefire blocking tight end? Two.

Njoku was open about his emphasis on blocking for his entire NFL career. As a draft prospect in March 2017, Njoku said, “I’m not afraid to block.” The Browns drafted Njoku 29th overall the following month. His physically imposing playing style, as both a blocker and a receiver, struck fear into opponents over the ensuing nine seasons.

Njoku’s lone Pro Bowl season came in 2023, when he posted a career-high 882 yards and six touchdowns on 81 catches. Since then, Njoku has struggled to stay healthy. He was limited to 11 games in 2024 due to ankle, hamstring, and knee injuries. Last season, he was limited to 12 games with a knee injury as well.

The Browns found a gem in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft in tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and the 21-year-old clearly emerged as Njoku’s heir apparent in Cleveland last season. If Njoku signs with the Chargers and remains available throughout next season, he could be the veteran counterpart to 22-year-old Gadsden.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 7:08 PM.