MARCH 17: Perryman is indeed expected to re-join the Chargers on a one-year deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Fowler adds this will be a $3MM agreement. Given the departures of Murray and Kendricks, a starting role could very well await Perryman upon his return to Los Angeles.
MARCH 16: Denzel Perryman is eyeing a reunion with his former team. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the free agent linebacker has discussed a new deal with the Chargers. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston describes the recent talks as “productive.”
The former second-round pick spent the first six seasons of his career with the organization. Injuries kept him from reaching his full potential, and the linebacker ended up leaving the organization having started 51 of his 69 appearances.
After signing with the Panthers during the 2021 offseason, Perryman was promptly traded to the Raiders. He ended up having a career season in 2021, finishing with 154 tackles en route to a Pro Bowl nod. He got into another 12 games with the Raiders in 2022 before signing a deal with the Texans last offseason.
Perryman’s 2023 campaign was highlighted by continuous penalties for initiating contact with his helmet. After earning seven such flags through the first 10 weeks, Perryman was slapped with a three-game suspension by the NFL (eventually reduced to two games).
The veteran ended the season having started 11 of his 12 appearances, compiling 76 stops. He added another eight tackles in two playoff games. Pro Football Focus graded Perryman only 71st among 82 qualifying linebackers, but his score was brought down by one of the worst coverage grades at his position. The 31-year-old expressed interest in sticking in Houston for the 2024 campaign.
The Chargers will need someone to soak up linebacker snaps after Kenneth Murray Jr. and Eric Kendricks left via free agency. Nick Niemann is still around for one of the ILB spots, but inexperienced options like Daiyan Henley and free agent addition Troy Dye are the team’s other answers at the position.
More castoffs? Why? Goin for cheap instead of value?
@JO.2 I guess you can say that, but hortiz is all about letting guys go, and signing ones that don’t mess up the comp pick system. They Will be using money on guys that were released, and save some money for roster cuts most likely going to steal some ravens. I believe they have a 5th, and two sixths so far. It might take a Couple years, but he’s going to do this. He’s building from the ground up.
Misery with Perryman – can’t guard TEs, same as Murray and Kendricks, slow against the run. Thinks he’s a thumper in a league that penalizes hits greater than allowed in flag football.
Seen a couple other LBs that move better and a pinch as cheap that could’ve been had but understand both sides have a need to ‘want’ to be hooked up.
Resetting cap issues
Not clogging up long term cap
It’s a similar approach the Texans used last couple years.
Chargers should trade #5 to Vikings in a deal including #11 and #23, target Odunze at 11 and a tackle. If Odunze isn’t there trade back more and target Brian Thomas Jr or another late 1st round WR.
In the 2nd target WR Ladd McConkey.
In the 3rd target RB Corum (easy plug and play)
Great move for both sides! I expect him to return to Pro Bowl form in 24!
Great move. Perryman still has plenty on the tank and the Chargers need LB help. He is very favorable financially. Virtually no downside at $3M.
@oh boy
Wouldn’t be against that, not sure if odunze will be there at 11, but they could get Arnold or Mitchell going to need a cornerback since Samuel jr is the only one, and a free agent next year. They have so many holes that there isn’t really a wrong way to handle it. just need to hit on the picks. Definitely can get wide receiver in the late first round to second and still find talent.