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.
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passing yards
3727rushing yards
643receiving yards
789tackles
52interceptions
4Passing
name GP CMP ATT CMP% YDS YDS/G TD INT SACK SYL RTG T. Lance,QB4275747.4%22656.50164450.8J. Herbert,QB1634051266.4%3,727232.926135430194.1Rushing
name GP CAR YDS AVG LNG YDS/G TD FUM LST FD D. Davis,WR11252.530.50100O. Hampton,RB91245454.45460.6412731T. Williams,RB33-1-0.32-0.30030N. Harris,RB315614.1720.30013T. Lance,QB417855.02221.30115J. Patterson,RB6411593.92226.51037A. Johnson,RB2284.064.00000T. Harris,WR172105.070.60000Q. Johnston,WR14273.590.50120N. Miller-Hines,RB32-2-1.01-0.70030K. Vidal,RB131556434.15949.5314332J. Herbert,QB16834986.04131.127634T. Conklin,TE13122.020.20101H. Haskins,RB1217472.8103.90004Receiving
name GP REC TGTS YDS AVG TD LNG YDS/G YAC FD D. Davis,WR1123105070.98.00K. Lambert-Smith,WR1051251101185.121.03W. Dissly,TE9111697901810.866.05O. Hampton,RB93235192612221.3245.07L. McConkey,WR16661067891265849.3310.035T. Williams,RB31100000.01.00N. Harris,RB3332580118.315.01T. Fisk,TE102419100121.921.01K. Allen,WR17811227771043145.7231.049O. Gadsden,TE1549696641435344.3221.028J. Patterson,RB63483041.38.01T. Penning,OT70100000.00.00S. Matlock,FB1644123150.812.01A. Johnson,RB20100000.00.00T. Harris,WR1730433241113719.1139.018Q. Johnston,WR1451847351486052.5221.027K. Vidal,RB131622136916010.5170.06T. Conklin,TE13710101140337.857.03H. Haskins,RB1244133091.116.00Defense
TacklesSacksInterceptionsFumblesname GP SOLO AST TOTAL SACK SCKYDS TFL PD INT TD FF FR FTD D. James Jr., SAF16 50 44 94 2 13.5 6 7 3 0 1 0 0 E. Molden, DB12 28 24 52 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 C. Ferrell, DL1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B. St-Juste, CB16 19 10 29 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 0 K. Williamson, SAF17 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O. Oweh, OLB12 15 13 28 7.5 41 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 K. Mack, OLB12 19 13 32 5.5 34 6 0 0 0 4 0 0 O. Hampton, RB9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N. Reed, CB5 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 L. McConkey, WR16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B. Dupree, OLB16 9 7 16 2 8 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 K. Allen, WR17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 M. Williams, SAF3 7 3 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O. Gadsden, TE15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 N. Jones, DT8 6 4 10 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 T. Jefferson, SAF13 34 20 54 0 0 1 7 4 0 0 0 0 C. Hart, CB16 36 10 46 0 0 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 C. Murphy, OLB6 3 4 7 0.5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 K. Kennard, OLB5 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Tuipulotu, OLB16 33 12 45 13 71 20 3 0 0 2 1 0 J. Harris, LS8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Leonard, DB8 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Henley, LB16 52 49 101 3.5 31.5 5 5 2 0 0 0 0 D. Jackson, CB17 16 8 24 0 0 1 12 4 0 0 0 0 R. Mickens, SAF12 14 11 25 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 D. Perryman, LB10 30 17 47 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 T. Still, CB15 37 16 53 0 0 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 D. Phillips, LB17 4 9 13 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Tart, DL17 22 10 32 0 0 4 4 0 0 1 1 0 O. Ogbonnia, DT9 7 3 10 0.5 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 C. Dicker, K17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 J. Eboigbe, DL17 22 11 33 6 33 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 A. Deculus, T13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 M. Maye, SAF1 1 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Hand, DT13 18 11 29 1.5 5 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 J. Taylor, CB9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q. Johnston, WR14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 K. Vidal, RB13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Dye, LB16 25 28 53 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 0 J. Herbert, QB16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 J. Caldwell, DT17 14 17 31 1 9 5 1 0 0 1 0 0 H. Haskins, RB12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 A. Gilman, SAF5 11 11 22 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 M. Wax, LB17 5 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 -
passing yards
159rushing yards
57receiving yards
32tackles
9interceptions
1Passing
name GP CMP ATT CMP% YDS YDS/G TD INT SACK SYL RTG J. Herbert,QB1193161.3%159159.00063974.5Rushing
name GP CAR YDS AVG LNG YDS/G TD FUM LST FD O. Hampton,RB11-1-1.01-1.00010K. Vidal,RB111312.81031.00003J. Herbert,QB110575.71657.00204Receiving
name GP REC TGTS YDS AVG TD LNG YDS/G YAC FD L. McConkey,WR134321102032.010.02T. Fisk,TE1331240712.06.00K. Allen,WR13825801025.05.02O. Gadsden,TE133301001030.015.02T. Harris,WR123201001420.010.02Q. Johnston,WR1362070920.08.00K. Vidal,RB123201001120.017.00Defense
TacklesSacksInterceptionsFumblesname GP SOLO AST TOTAL SACK SCKYDS TFL PD INT TD FF FR FTD D. James Jr., SAF1 3 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E. Molden, DB1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 B. St-Juste, CB1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O. Oweh, OLB1 4 0 4 3 17 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 K. Mack, OLB1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Jefferson, SAF1 2 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 C. Hart, CB1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Tuipulotu, OLB1 2 0 2 1 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Leonard, DB1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Henley, LB1 9 4 13 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 D. Jackson, CB1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 R. Mickens, SAF1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Perryman, LB1 2 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Still, CB1 4 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Phillips, LB1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Harris, WR1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 T. Tart, DL1 3 1 4 1 8 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 O. Ogbonnia, DL1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 D. Hand, DL1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 T. Dye, LB1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 J. Caldwell, DT1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H. Haskins, RB1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Chargers Depth Chart
Chargers Injury Report
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.
Njoku agreed Monday with the Chargers on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. One of the top free agents left on the board, Njoku will continue his career on the West Coast following a nine-year stay in Cleveland. Since submitting a career-best 81-882-6 receiving line in 2023, Njoku has seen his production dip over the past two seasons while missing 11 total games to injury, but he won't turn 30 years old until July and still profiles as an above-average pass-catching talent at tight end. However, after seeing his target counts drop in the second half of the 2025 season while rookie Harold Fannin emerged as a focal point in the Cleveland passing attack, Njoku will face competition for reps from another impressive young tight end in Oronde Gadsden as he moves on to Los Angeles. Njoku will at least benefit from a major upgrade in quarterback play with the Justin Herbert-led Chargers offense, and there could still be room for both Gadsden and Njoku to earn meaningful volume in the passing game in light of the lack of established depth at wide receiver behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
The Chargers exercised Johnston's fifth-year option for the 2027 season Tuesday. The No. 21 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Johnston has gotten his career on track after what was a subpar rookie season. Across 29 regular-season games over the past two seasons, Johnston has secured 106 of 175 targets for 1,446 yards and 16 touchdowns as Justin Herbert's top downfield perimeter wideout. Johnston has improved his yards-per-catch average every season and finished 21st in the NFL at 14.4 yards per reception during the 2025 campaign. With Keenan Allen still unsigned, there's room for Johnston's role to grow this upcoming season.
Harris could have competition within the wide receiver room after the Chargers selected Brenen Thompson 105th overall during the 2026 NFL Draft. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel reportedly had significant interest in Thompson because of his blazing 4.26 40-yard dash, reminiscent of the wide receiver archetype he valued as a head coach in Miami. It's hard to tell if the Chargers will have designated plays for Thompson, or if that role will feature Harris, the 2025 second-round pick who made his bones at the collegiate level as a RPO specialist. Harris' rookie year was relatively mundane (30-324-1) despite playing all 17 regular-season games, but with Keenan Allen potentially no longer on the roster, there's overall more opportunities available in Los Angeles in what figures to be a more pass-happy scheme come 2026.
Alt (ankle) was present for the Chargers' offseason program Monday, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports. Alt suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Chargers' Week 9 win over the Titans and was unable to return to the field for the rest of the 2025 season. The star right tackle entering 2026 as a healthy practice participant is great news for quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers offensive line, who struggled greatly late in the year due to lack of depth amidst many injuries.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said Thursday that Johnston isn't on the trade block, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports. "There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz said. "And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I've had zero calls regarding Quentin." Johnston is heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract, and the Chargers have until May 1 to decide whether to pick up the 2023 first-round pick's $18.1 million fifth-year option for 2027. The 6-foot-2 wide receiver has recorded eight touchdown catches in each of the last two regular seasons, but Johnston has struggled with drops throughout his NFL career.
Vidal signed his exclusive-rights free-agent tender with the Chargers on Tuesday, Howard Balzer of USA Today reports. Los Angeles tendered Vidal as an ERFA early March, and the 2024 sixth-round pick now makes his return for the 2026 season official. The Chargers' offseason has seen Najee Harris (Achilles) depart in free agency, though the addition of Keaton Mitchell from Baltimore represents a new change-of-pace option in the backfield, and potential competition for Vidal's grip on the No. 2 role behind Omarion Hampton. That said, Vidal has to be considered the favorite for the backup role after he broke out with a 155-643-3 rushing line across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025, even if Mitchell ultimately sees more pass-catching reps.
The Chargers signed Awosika (illness) to a contract Wednesday. Awosika spent last season playing a reserve role for the Lions' interior offensive line, starting four of his 13 regular-season appearances. He appears fully recovered from the illness that caused him to be inactive Week 18 and will now compete to secure a similar depth gig in Los Angeles.