The Los Angeles Chargers have an impressive roster set to take the field in 2025, adding players who can make an impact at the running back and wide receiver positions to help take some of the pressure off the shoulders of Justin Herbert.
But what about tight end? The Chargers signed Tyler Conklin in free agency and then used a fifth-round pick in the draft on Syracuse's Oronde Gadsden II. Neither of those moves will move the needle much in the eyes of most, leaving some to believe a trade for a proven option should be discussed.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report is one step ahead of them. He sees a potential deal between the Chargers and Cleveland Browns, where David Njoku comes to L.A., as a possibility.
In this deal, the Chargers give up a fifth-round pick in next year's draft in exchange for the former first-round pick who made the Pro Bowl in 2023. Here are Kay's thoughts on it:
"Longtime Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku has been up-and-down throughout his tenure with the club. While he’s been relatively productive and impactful when healthy, injuries cost him six games last year and he hasn’t participated in a full season since his sophomore campaign back in 2018.
Njoku is only two years removed from his finest season, a Pro Bowl 2023 in which he put up career-high marks of 81 receptions, 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns. While he was on pace to put up similar marks last season, he finished with a 64/505/5 stat line after missing six games due to injury.
With Njoku now entering a contract year, the Browns could opt to move on from the 28-year-old—especially if rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. looks ready to step into a prominent role right away. The third-round pick put up a Division I-leading 117 receptions and 1,555 yards at Bowling Green and has the potential to continue posting big receiving numbers at the next level.
The Los Angeles Chargers should come calling if Njoku is up for grabs. The team desperately needs to improve its tight end situation after failing to land an elite prospect in the 2025 draft and currently has an unexciting veteran duo of Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly set to handle most of the work at that position this season.
Adding Njoku into the mix would round out L.A.’s blossoming passing offense and potentially make it a force."
This would be a tremendous deal for the Chargers as Njoku, still under the age of 30, can be one of the most athletic tight ends in the league and would be an instant upgrade over everyone on the depth chart in L.A.
While Gadsden could turn out to be a steal for a fifth-round pick, landing Njoku could be huge for this offense in a season where a deep run is possible.
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