Oronde Gadsden: Everything you need to know

Gadsden faces increased competition for snaps and targets in 2026 after free agent David Njoku agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Gadsden broke out as a rookie fifth-round pick last season, totaling a 49-664-3 receiving line over 15 regular-season games at just 22 years old. While Gadsden remains primed to take a step forward in his development in Year 2, Los Angeles inked blocking specialist Charlie Kolar to a three-year deal at the outset of free agency, and Njoku's arrival now makes for a crowded TE room. Gadsden, a 6-foot-5, 236-pound converted wide receiver, boasts a similar frame and skill set to Njoku, a 10-year veteran and off-the-charts athlete who totaled a career-high 81-882-6 receiving line in 2023 but struggled with injuries over the last two seasons and was overtaken by rookie Harold Fannin with the Browns in 2025. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel relied heavily on multi-TE sets during his five-year stint with the Dolphins, and the Chargers have little proven production at WR behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, so a path exists for both Gadsden and Njoku to operate as top targets for QB Justin Herbert.

Gadsden had three receptions on as many targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots. Gadsden's pedestrian receiving line was actually good enough for second amongst Los Angeles receiving options in a dismal passing display on the road against New England. The 22-year-old still can hang his hat on overachieving during the regular season, as he produced a 49-664-3 receiving line after being taken in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft. Gadsden never relinquished his grasp on the starting job once he took over for an injured Will Dissly in Week 4. The Syracuse product is in prime position to thrive in his sophomore season when he begins the 2026 campaign as the Chargers' starting tight end.

Gadsden brought in both of his targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Broncos. Gadsden was one of a handful of key players on offense allowed to take the field for the Chargers in Week 18. The 2025 fifth-round pick was able to add a couple of receptions to his rookie total, bringing his final line up to 49-664-3 in 15 appearances this regular season. While the tight end certainly surpassed expectations as a rookie, Gadsden's inconsistent play down the stretch makes him a risky DFS play in the wild-card round, even with QB Justin Herbert back under center.