After spending nine seasons with the Cleveland Browns' organization, a veteran tight end has decided to part ways with the team. However, his recent contract highlights him joining their AFC rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that David Njoku has signed a one-year $8 million contract with the Chargers in free agency.

"The Chargers have agreed to terms with former Browns TE David Njoku, giving him a 1-year deal worth up to $8M," Rapoport wrote on May 11. "After nine years with Cleveland, Njoku moves on to catch passes from Justin Herbert."

Nicknamed “The Chief,” the Browns selected him as the 29th pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He requested his release from the franchise in February after having played 118 games.

He recorded 384 receptions, 34 touchdowns, and 4,062 receiving yards in his nine-year NFL career with the Browns.

His career-best performance came in the 2023 season, when he recorded 81 receptions from 123 targets for 882 yards. Njoku received his only Pro Bowl invite that season. 

While Njoku did not state a reason for his exit, Jared Muller of SB Nation wrote, “Injuries and poor quarterback play kept the former Miami (FL) star from reaching the upper echelon of tight ends.”

Last season, he missed five games and remained on injured reserve (IR) after sustaining an injury to his left knee. 

In his farewell letter to the Browns and fans, Njoku said it was time he found a “new home” on his Instagram post.

“Cleveland, first off I love you,” Njoku wrote on February 10. “These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!! The time for me to find a new home has come.”

The Browns found Njoku’s replacement in the standout rookie Harold Fannin Jr. He recorded 72 receptions for 731 yards and scored six touchdowns last season. After he hit free agency, Njoku reportedly visited the Baltimore Ravens but left without a contract.

The Chargers pulled through for the veteran TE, which must sting the Browns, given their previous records against their AFC rivals.

A New Twist To The Chargers VS Browns Rivalry

Tight end David Njoku is now a part of the Los Angeles Chargers, who have historically outperformed the Cleveland Browns. 

Since 1970, when the LA Chargers were the San Diego Chargers, the two franchises have played 30 times, with the Browns losing 20 times. The two teams tied once in 1973, according to Football Database. 

In their last game hosted by the Browns in 2024, the Chargers won 27-10. Ironically, Njoku caught the ball five times for 29 yards. The Chargers have won the last four out of six games.

Now with Njoku catching Justin Herbert’s throws, future match-ups are shaping up to be more interesting.

What are your thoughts on Njoku joining the Chargers? Tell us in the comments!

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rishab Nandi