No, the Chargers aren’t going to reunite with Eric Weddle

Former San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle was released by the Baltimore Ravens, and some fans are hoping for his return…

Let’s rip this Band-Aid off right now: Eric Weddle will never come back to play for the Los Angeles Chargers. It should have gone without saying, but there are a number of fans who truly believe the two parties should work together again.

The relationship between the Chargers organization and Weddle is shattered. That bridge was burned, collected as ash, and shot across the Pacific Ocean years ago.

After nine seasons and about $44 million with the Bolts, Weddle was shown the door by the organization in an unceremonious if not disrespectful way. To public knowledge at the time, the first sign began with this:

The Chargers fine safety Eric Weddle $10k for remaining on the field to watch his daughter perform at halftime https://t.co/lj3H38Xdoj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 28, 2015

Though it was completely in line with team rules and something Weddle could have avoided, there’s no way to positively spin fining a player for standing on the field to watch his daughter perform. Subsequently, the Chargers placed their All-Pro safety on injured reserve, and then proceeded to not allow him to travel with the team to their season finale in Denver.

Much disgruntled, Weddle signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency and experienced a solid continuation of his career. Along the way, as all organizations due, the Chargers made several roster cuts, many of them necessary due to salary cap or injury issues. Some player transactions, including the release of tackle King Dunlap, were openly criticized by their former safety:

Sorry to hear about my boy King. Doesn't suprise me tho, that's how they treat the good players there. https://t.co/VMdrVoO33e

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 13, 2017

The Chargers are dead to him, and the organization would likely do anything but sign him. There is a need at free safety, but as of right now all signs indicate that the uninspiring combination of Jahleel Addae, Jaylen Watkins, and Rayshawn Jenkins will lead the group in 2019. The coaching staff and front office seem fixated on the idea of Addae starting once again, which worked out poorly last season. Either way, Weddle will never again be the safety for the Chargers.