Los Angeles Chargers connected to trade idea for 31-TD former first-round pick

Los Angeles Chargers connected to trade idea for 31-TD former first-round pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Chargers could be one of the most interesting teams ahead of this year's trade deadline. 

At full strength, they started the season 3-0 and were being looked at as one of the best teams in the league. The injury bug changed that in a hurry. After losing Rashawn Slater for the season in training camp, the team has seen Najee Harris, Joe Alt, Omarion Hampton and Khalil Mack all suffer serious injuries. The team has many more beyond those players, as well. 

Reports have indicated that the Chargers are looking to add another running back via trade. Why stop there? The team could act before the deadline to get another piece for Justin Herbert in the passing game. 

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report is on that same wavelength, linking the Chargers to tight end David Njoku. 

"Tight end David Njoku continues to be one of Cleveland's most reliable offensive players, but he is also one of the Browns' most sensible trade chips.

Harold Fannin Jr. has impressed and appears poised to take over as Cleveland's long-term starting tight end. Through five weeks, the rookie has caught 21 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Njoku has caught 20 for 195 and a score.

While there's value in having two pass-catching tight ends—especially for a team trying to support a young signal-caller—the Browns have to be thinking long-term.

Njoku is set to be a free agent in 2026, and Cleveland should be able to get, at worst, a middle-round pick for him", wrote Knox. 

He projects Njoku being had for a future fourth-round pick. That would likely come in next year's draft, and it would be a good move for the Chargers. 

Tyler Conklin has not worked out as a free-agent signing and Oronde Gadsden II is still acclimating to the professional game. Njoku, a first-round pick in 2017, would bring Herbert a true game-changer at the tight end position. He has great hands and enough athletic ability to separate from most defenders in the league. 

Njoku has 371 career receptions but it is his ability to run after the catch that really makes him an intriguing option for a guy like Herbert. Allowing him to roam the middle of the field while teams have to account for guys like Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen on the outside could be exactly what Herbert needs. 

READ: Chargers second-round pick may finally make some plays in Week 6

If the Browns were interested in moving him, the Chargers should give that idea some serious thought. 

More Chargers Content

Los Angeles Chargers will have a makeshift offensive line in Week 6, how will it look?

Los Angeles Chargers bring back former first-round pick for second stint with team

NFL Week 6 Expert Picks: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins

NFL Power Rankings: L.A. Chargers come back down to Earth following humbling Week 5 loss

Los Angeles Chargers' breakout star is the last player anyone would have guessed