It's becoming easier to settle into the idea that the Los Angeles Chargers did what they needed to in terms of bringing back internal free agents this offseason.
Losing both Odafe Oweh and Zion Johnson was disappointing. But Oweh's contract number (four years, $100 million) was simply untenable given the upcoming extension for Tuli Tuipulotu. Johnson's performance over his four years in Los Angeles, meanwhile, did not truly merit the contract he got from the Cleveland Browns.
Instead, Los Angeles has brought back defensive pieces like Khalil Mack, Teair Tart, Tony Jefferson, and Denzel Perryman in an effort to keep as much continuity as possible with a new defensive coordinator in the fold. It might not be the most exciting start to the offseason, but it should be effective for 2026.
The signing of Denzel Perryman to a one-year contract, however, has broader implications for the Chargers' future. At age 33, Perryman is certainly not in Los Angeles's long-term plans. His signing is therefore an indication of both their lack of faith in 2024 third-round pick Junior Colson and their potential plans for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chargers could be targeting a linebacker on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft
Since the Chargers added Perryman in free agency prior to the 2024 season, he's been a strong, physical contributor as a run-fitter and an imposing body in the tackle box. Across 21 games with Los Angeles, he's posted 102 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and three QB hits.
These are not eye-popping numbers, but Perryman has been a solid veteran piece for the Chargers nonetheless. It's clear, however, that his time in the league is coming to an end. He's lost multiple steps athletically, and his ability to drop into coverage is virtually nonexistent at this point.
His return, therefore, is a sign that the organization does not believe Colson, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury, is ready to slot into the starting lineup. Even in 2024, when Colson was healthy, he played just 32% of the defensive snaps in the 11 games he played.
With these two players on the roster for 2026, the inside linebacker spot alongside Daiyan Henley is temporarily settled. It's an easy need to overlook.
But one must assume the Chargers are already looking ahead.
Drafting an off-ball linebacker on Day 1 of the draft would be an unwise allocation of assets given the needs they have at more prevalent positions. If they have the offensive line taken care of by the third round, perhaps Kyle Louis out of Pitt or Harold Perkins Jr. out of LSU would be someone to keep an eye on. Both possess the run-fitting abilities Los Angeles should be seeking out.
Perryman's time with the team is nearing its conclusion. It's time, frankly, to start thinking about a replacement or, at the very least, some competition for Colson.