The LA Chargers reportedly inked linebacker Denzel Perryman to a one-year extension on Wednesday. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Perryman is back in Los Angeles on a $3.65 million deal.
Perryman was a huge part of the linebacker room last season in his initial return to the Chargers, particularly early on in the season. He finished the year with 55 tackles, one sack, and 2.5 stuffs.
However, groin injuries limited Perryman to appearing in just 11 games of the regular season. A return for the Wild Card game against Houston was brief after a torn elbow ligament would end his '24-'25 campaign.
Denzel Perryman re-signs with Chargers to bolster the linebacker room
When healthy, Perryman was an impactful presence. He also contributed to the development of second-year linebacker Daiyan Henley. The two were a solid duo when healthy.
Re-signing Perryman to a one-year deal makes sense for the Chargers. Instead of entirely banking on the emergence of Junior Colson, they get some insurance in their linebacker room for a bit over the league minimum. Perryman can contribute at whatever level he's needed to in 2025, be it starting linebacker or depth piece.
Colson, the Chargers' third-round selection in 2024, struggled to stay healthy after an appendectomy in training camp in addition to a hamstring injury during the season. While the coaching staff and front office likely still have high expectations for the former Michigan product, re-signing Perryman gives them proven NFL experience as they await for Colson's development.
The Chargers also re-signed linebacker Troy Dye to a two-year, $5.5 million deal on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Chargers lost special teams ace linebacker Nick Niemann to the Houston Texans on a two year, $6.5 million contract.
As the Chargers look to fortify their defense, a $3.65 million deal for Perryman is a solid move to bolster their linebacker depth for a relatively cheap price.